Visions of Sister Hadewijch

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I sat on a day in May and was supposed to, as was right, hear the Mass of Saint James This refers to the feast of St. James the Less, celebrated on May 3rd, fitting the "day in May" description., for it was his namesake day. Then, during the reading of the Epistles The "Epistles" are formal letters from the Apostles in the New Testament read during the liturgy., my senses were sucked inward amidst great storm-showers of an uncanny spirit, which drew me inside from within. And then I was carried away from within into the spirit.

Immediately a strange parable original: "Gleichnis" — a term often used in mystical literature to describe a symbolic vision or likeness that conveys a deeper truth. was shown to me: two kingdoms, both of equal wealth, of equal age, of equal descent, and of equal fullness of power. And then came an angel entirely inflamed by inner fire; he spread his wings wide and with them gave a great sevenfold beat like a cry, which sought to make everything fall silent before its voice so that it might be heard.

At the first beat, the moon paused in its course and fell silent, as it was commanded. At the second beat, the sun ceased its course and became still. At the third beat, all the stars broke off their course. At the fourth beat, those in Paradise woke from their slumber to marvel at these events with new words. At the fifth beat, the Throne Likely referring to the "Thrones," a specific rank of angels who represent Divine Justice and serve as the footstool of God. paused in its course. At the sixth beat, all the saints of the Church and the pious people were resurrected original: "wiedererstanden" — to rise again or be restored to life.—the living and the dead, the spirits in Heaven, in Purgatory original: "Fegefeuer" — the place of purification for souls before they enter Heaven., and on Earth—all and each according to the appearance