Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179)
O Most Honored Greening Force
O most honored Greening Force,
You whose roots in the sun;
You who lights up, in shining serenity, within a wheel
that earthly excellence fails to comprehend.
You are enfolded
in the weaving of the divine mysteries.
You redden like the dawn
and you burn: flame of the sun.
Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) lived a life that was remarkably long and incredibly productive. Translator Carmen Butcher has described Hildegard as an "Über-multitasking Frau" and authentic "polymath." The Benedictine abbess founded two convents, conducted four preaching tours, penned at least 400 letters, wrote music and a morality play, supervised illuminated manuscripts, cared for her fellow sisters, and wrote three major theological tomes based upon her famous visions. This poem is from Causae et Curae.
Selected by Amy Frykholm: amy@journeywithjesus.net
