"All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well," is a quote which I like from Julian of Norwich whose feast is May 8. She is an English mystic who lived a contemplative life in a small building attached to a church. The book she wrote about her mystical experiences may be the first book written by a woman in English. She lived in the 14th century and early 15th century, a dark time when there were two and three men claiming to be pope. Whenever I catch myself thinking what a mess the Church is in now, it helps to remember these years and the centuries right before and after.
I don't even know if Julian was aware of the "papal schism" or of the role played by St. Brigid and St. Catherine of Sienna in helping to get the papacy back on track. If so, her mystical experiences surely helped her see what was really important in religion. If not, her words are a much needed assurance in our troubled times. She echoes the words of Jesus in this Sunday's Gospel, "Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." (John 14:27)
This view of Lake on Wednesday from near the ski slope also assures me that all shall be well.
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