All will be well, and all will be well, and every kind of thing will be well. –Julian of Norwich
Spiritual theologian Matthew Fox offers helpful thoughts for our times in his recently published book, Julian of Norwich: Wisdom in a Time of Pandemic – and Beyond (iUniverse: 2020)
In his book, Fox suggests that, in a time of crisis and chaos such as a pandemic, we would do well to look to our forebearers in the faith for wisdom. Such times, he says, call us to return not just to the “normal” of the recent past but to reimagine a new future, a renewed humanity, a more just and sustainable culture, and one even filled with joy.
Julian of Norwich [1343 – c. 1416] is such an ancestor in our faith. She lived her entire life during a raging pandemic (the Black Death or bubonic plague, when perhaps one-third of the world’s population died).
Fox tells us that, during that pandemic, Julian stayed grounded and true to her belief in the goodness of life, creation, and humanity and boldly invited others to do the same. Her teachings focus on God’s infinite love, goodness, and mercy. Her response to the pandemic is grounded in a love of life and gratitude.
Fox urges us to hear Julian speaking to us today, calling us to dig down and find goodness, joy, and awe and to connect anew to the sacredness of life.
As we, together as a community of faith, begin to emerge from this pandemic, may we be strengthened by the resurrection to trust that “all will be well, and all will be well, and every kind of thing will be well.”
Trusting with you in the promise of new life,
Pastor Wayne