Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich

About the Book

• Written by Julian of Norwich, born in 1343.
• Published by Christian Classics Ethereal Library, 2005.
• The book is a piece of mystic Christian literature.

Main Themes

1. Sixteen Revelations of Divine Love
   • First Revelation: Christ's crowning with thorns and the Trinity.
   • Second Revelation: Changing face of Jesus signifies His Passion.
   • Third Revelation: God's creation and action.
   • Fourth Revelation: Jesus' scourging and shedding of blood.
   • Fifth Revelation: Overcoming of the Fiend by Christ's Passion.
   • Sixth Revelation: Thankfulness and reward for servants in Heaven.
   • Seventh Revelation: The feeling of weal and woe, security in God's love.
   • Eighth Revelation: Christ’s last pains and cruel dying.
   • Ninth Revelation: Joy in the Trinity from Christ's Passion.
   • Tenth Revelation: Jesus' heart shown cleaved in two.
   • Eleventh Revelation: High showing of Jesus’ mother, Mary.
   • Twelfth Revelation: God's worthiness and human creation.
   • Thirteenth Revelation: Importance of deeds and amends for sin.
   • Fourteenth Revelation: God as the foundation of prayer.
   • Fifteenth Revelation: Deliverance from pain and union with Christ.
   • Sixteenth Revelation: The indwelling of the Trinity in the soul.

Key Concepts

• Love and Compassion: God’s love is central; Julian reflects on how deeply God loves humanity and desires their eternal joy.
• Suffering and Redemption: Through Christ’s Passion, humanity is redeemed; suffering is seen as a part of spiritual growth.
• Prayer and Devotion: Emphasis on prayer as a connection with God, rooted in trust and steadfastness.
• Union with God: A recurring theme that the soul is knit to God, and through Christ, salvation is ensured.

Julian's Personal Experiences

• Julian desired three things from God: understanding of Christ’s Passion, sickness for spiritual growth, and three spiritual wounds (contrition, compassion, and longing for God).
• She experienced visions during a severe illness at age 30, leading to her spiritual insights.

Important Teachings

• The Nature of Sin and Redemption: Sin is unavoidable, but God's love is greater, and redemption is assured through Christ.
• The Role of the Church: Holy Church as a guiding force and the importance of aligning personal beliefs with Church teachings.
• The Joy of Heaven: The ultimate joy and fulfillment come from being in God's presence and understanding His love fully.

Julian's Visions

• The Image of Christ: Detailed descriptions of Christ’s suffering, emphasizing His humanity and divinity.
• The Trinity's Role: God as Father, Jesus as Mother, and the Holy Spirit's sustaining presence.

Conclusion

• Julian’s revelations emphasize that all will ultimately be well through God's love and plan.
• She teaches that love is the central message of God's revelations, urging believers to live in love and trust.

Noteworthy Quotes

• “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”
• “Love was His meaning. Who shewed it thee? Love. What shewed He thee? Love. Wherefore shewed it He? For Love.”

This work by Julian of Norwich remains a significant contribution to Christian mysticism, providing insights into the depth of divine love and the spiritual journey towards union with God.