[Salvation]

Thursday, Seventh Sunday of Easter

”This became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem, so that the parcel of land was called in their language ‘Akeldama,’ that is, Field of Blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms:
”Let his encampment become desolate,
and may no one dwell on it.’
And:
‘May another take his office.’

Acts 1: 19-20

The saga of Judas is an awful story. There is a certain heaviness to it, especially since things don’t have to be this way. The Lord loved Judas, despite what he did, and would have taken him back in an instant.

Of all sad words of tongue or pen,
The saddest are these: “It might have been.”

Ah, well! For us all some sweet hope lies
Deeply buried from human eyes.
(John Greenleaf Whittier)

We don’t know the ultimate fate of Judas. We leave all final judgments to God.

What we do know is that if in his heart he turned back even faintly to the Lord, he was forgiven then and there.

When we think of this sad story, it helps us realize how much the Lord loves us. If I walked out on him, he’d miss me. And if I turned back to him, he’d take me back in a moment.

He loves me that much.

Spend some quiet time with the Risen Lord.

[Salvation]

May 13, 2005

Blessed Julian of Norwich

Julian of Norwich was a laywoman who lived in solitude within St. Julian Church (Hence her attributed name) in Norwich, England. She is considered to be one of the greatest English mystics.

Julian’s life was devoted to prayer. Her writings testify to hope within a turbulent world fragmented by war and crisis in the Church. Her affirmation of creation as good and her understanding of a loving God led her to see through suffering that:

All shall be well.
all shall be well,
and all manner of things shall be well.

These words have been put to music in recent times.

While the precise dates of her birth and death are unknown, it is believed that Julian died about 1443.

* * *

Julian of Norwich was never formally beatified but is considered “blessed” because of popular devotion.