The Light of Life

*Today with Julian – January 9th:

Our Faith is a light,
naturally coming from our endless Day –
that is, our Father, God;
in this light our Mother Christ,
and our good Lord the Holy Spirit
lead us in this passing life.

This light is meted out prudently,
faithfully remaining with us as we need it in the night.

The light is the cause of our life . . .

(Mother Julian, Chapter LXXXIII)

It is clear that Julian was deeply familiar with the first chapter of John’s Gospel:

What has come into being in him was life,
and the life was the light of all people.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness did not overcome it.

In this context, “light” means “wisdom,” and specifically the wisdom that comes from a knowledge of God. “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light upon my path,” (Psalm 119:105) Christ is the Word of God, God’s self-expression to the world. This Word is the Word of Life; in this Wisdom we receive the Knowledge of God. The receiving of this Godly Wisdom brings about such a dramatic new birth, that Julian can refer to “our Mother Christ,” who births us fully into a relationship with God.

For John, for Julian, this was not some academic concept. It was not something to be realized lightly. It was awesome information – awe inspiring revelation. The very cause of our life. It changed their lives dramatically, because they lived as if it were true.

~ Will, ObJN