did you know during Julian of Norwich's time, people were blaming the plague on the sinfulness of humanity? Julian uniquely did not

(this was brought to my attention by a , a Master's student at Sioux Falls Seminary)

Julian also had to deal with the church falling apart. She lived in a time where there were 3 popes supported by different political factions

and, the last big wave of the plague hit around when she was 5 years hold. there were several smaller waves of the plague though

as she looked out her window, she would also see Lollards being burnt at the stake. Their crime? translating the bible into English, anti-clericalism, and more.

as an anchoress, she saw Bishop Dispenser crush the Peasant's revolt brutally.

from her window, she perhaps ministered to those very peasants who were persecuted by the bishop

needless to say, she wasn't just a pious nun (she was not a nun) who lived in a room and pontificated on theology. she was an active part of the community, and ministered to their deepest needs, without leaving her room.

her phrase "all shall be well" takes a whole different level of gravitas when we realize just how integrated she was into the community. she couldn't look away, even if she tried

I learn more from Julian each time I read her. She's an incredible pastoral prophet. She engages the whole canon of scripture. She's creative and compassionate, allowing her audience to ponder who God is along with her

what would it look like for more theologians to embrace her questioning, her awe and her wonder, her doubt and assurance of God's love?