Now, as we're fully enmeshed in the second decade of the 21st century, I'm struck by the realization society is in need an “inspired conscience” to help us find our way out of malaises into which we have fallen. Our modern world has produced unbelievable technological advances, but yet we have deeply troubling black clouds looming on the horizon of our world.
We face conflict with and between fundamentalist Islamic sects in the Mideast, a deepening split between politcal forces here at home, and economic turmoil throughout much of the world. History reveals just how easy it is for a world war to develop, and so an “inspired conscience” to light a path to wisdom is need today more than ever.
So straight from the 12th century comes Hildegard von Bingen, a Christian mystic, Benedictine nun, composer, philosopher, playwright, physician, poet, naturalist, scientist and ecological activist. A recent 2009 German film, "Vision: From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen," provides a glimpse into her life and her insights into our shared humanity.
“Oh children of humanity, why have you corrupted tender Love, who gazes far into my depths and flows forth in works abounding…? She flows within me, from Her in turn flow the living waters. But now She mourns, because audacious men tear her to pieces with their evil grumbling. Hence, She flees from them to that height whence She came, and weeps because Her children, whom She suckled at Her fertile breasts, fall sick and will not be cleansed from the corruption of their flighty minds.” - Sister of Wisdom: St. Hildegard's Theology of the Feminine (1987) as translated by B. Newman
And, a poem, translated by Stephen Mitchell in "The Enlightened Heart: An Anthology of Sacred Poetry" (1989):
Holy Spirit,
giving life to all life,
moving all creatures,
root of all things,
washing them clean,
wiping out their mistakes,
healing their wounds,
you are our true life,
luminous, wonderful,
awakening the heart
from its ancient sleep.
Wisdom, as Hildegard understood, is not a magic ingredient. It is not a dose of medicine that when taken will make you well. Wisdom is a way of life. It is a way of being in the world and in relationship with the world. It is an attitude that allows for Love to flow through Hildegard, and you and me. It is a mind-set and body-set that allows life to fulfill you, and in turn to fulfill the world around you.
Hildegard’s genius, and her “inspired conscience,” is profound because she transcends sectarian doctrine and dogmatism. Her wisdom is not about what wisdom is, or what the Holy Spirit is, or what Love or Life are. Rather, she bears Wisdom, Living Breath, Love and Life and gives birth to these life-enhancing elements in the world.
If we, in our world, need an “inspired conscience” and a path into the light of wisdom we must – like Hildegard and like all inspired souls throughout human history – become bearers of Light. It is only in this way that we will overcome the darkness that engulfs us. Until then, she – Love, Life, Wisdom – mourns and weeps for her children as von Bingen wisely sings.
