Visions of Sister Hadewijch

I 2

...trembling with impatience, and because with the clear works that you accomplished, you bore witness of Me everywhere you perceived My will, and because your actions are full of insight, I have sent you an angel from the highest throne, to whom nothing is unknown. This was so that he might lead you, you who will what is rightoriginal: "Gerecht-Wollende" — likely referring to a soul whose will is perfectly aligned with divine justice or righteousness., to perfection—you, whose inner being he found so flawless that he led you like a child along all the paths he has shown you. And the high names he gave you have adorned you in My sight. Now I will let you know what I desire of you. I desire that you be ready for every misery for My sake, and I forbid you from ever daring to avengeoriginal: "ahnden" — to punish or seek retribution for a wrong suffered. that misery or to take revenge even for the duration of a moment. If you dare to do so in any way, then you are the one who wishes to thwart My right and deny My power.

"I give you yet another," He said, "a new commandment. If you wish to resemble Me in a human way, just as you desire that I should enjoyoriginal: "genießen" — in mystical literature, this refers to 'fruitio,' the ecstatic spiritual enjoyment and union between God and the soul. you in a divine way, then you must yearn to be poor, wretched, and despised among all people, and all vexation must taste better to you than any earthly comfort. What is inhuman must be borne; in no way may it vex you. If you wish to consecrate yourself entirely to Love—just as the proud nature of LoveThe personification of Love (Minne) often depicts her as a demanding noblewoman or a "proud" queen who requires absolute surrender from her followers. requires—then you must become so strange among people, so lonely and so peaceless, that you do not know...