Julian of Norwich: Embracing the Trinity's Love

 

Summary

Julian of Norwich, a remarkable woman and the first to write a substantial piece in English, offers profound insights into the nature of God and the Trinity through her 16 revelations. Her meditations on the crucifixion led her to a deeper understanding of the Trinity, which she described as our maker, protector, and everlasting lover. This revelation filled her heart with joy, illustrating the interconnectedness and admiration within the Trinity. The blood of Christ on the cross, representing His life, draws attention to the unity and admiration among the Trinity's members. This admiration is often overlooked, yet it is a vital aspect of the divine relationship.

The Trinity's dynamic is one of mutual admiration and joy, extending to include humanity in its embrace. Julian's reflections remind us that the Trinity is not just a theological concept but a living relationship that invites us into its circle of love. The Holy Spirit, often seen as the shy member of the Trinity, exemplifies this other-centeredness, pointing to Jesus and celebrating His presence. This shyness is not timidity but a profound awareness and delight in the other, a model for how we might live in community.

Julian's meditation on a simple hazelnut reveals the depth of God's love and care for creation. She sees in it the properties of being made, loved, and preserved by God, illustrating the vastness of God's love and the smallness of the universe in His hands. This perspective reassures us that all will be well, as God's love encompasses all things. Her insights challenge us to see the sacred in the ordinary and to recognize the divine presence in every aspect of life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Julian of Norwich's meditations on the crucifixion led her to a profound understanding of the Trinity as our maker, protector, and everlasting lover. This revelation invites us to see the Trinity not just as a theological concept but as a living relationship that fills our hearts with joy and invites us into its circle of love. [02:00]

2. The admiration within the Trinity is a vital aspect of the divine relationship, often overlooked. The members of the Trinity admire one another, and this admiration extends to include humanity, inviting us to participate in the divine dance of love and joy. [03:25]

3. The Holy Spirit, often seen as the shy member of the Trinity, exemplifies other-centeredness, pointing to Jesus and celebrating His presence. This shyness is not timidity but a profound awareness and delight in the other, offering a model for how we might live in community. [04:19]

4. Julian's meditation on a simple hazelnut reveals the depth of God's love and care for creation. She sees in it the properties of being made, loved, and preserved by God, illustrating the vastness of God's love and the smallness of the universe in His hands. [07:51]

5. The notion that all will be well, as expressed by Julian, reassures us of God's encompassing love. This perspective challenges us to see the sacred in the ordinary and to recognize the divine presence in every aspect of life, reminding us that the universe is small in the hands of a big God. [08:17]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - Introduction to Julian of Norwich
[00:36] - Julian's Revelations and Life
[01:17] - Vision of the Crucifixion
[01:44] - Contemplation on the Trinity
[02:32] - Admiration within the Trinity
[03:25] - The Trinity's Relationship
[03:57] - The Holy Spirit's Role
[04:19] - Shyness and Other-Centeredness
[05:00] - Julian's Circle of Love
[05:42] - Meditation and Heart Transformation
[06:32] - Admiration and Community
[07:20] - The Sacred in the Ordinary
[07:51] - The Hazelnut Meditation
[08:17] - All Will Be Well

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 14:16-17 - "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."
2. Matthew 3:16-17 - "As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'"
3. Colossians 1:16-17 - "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Julian of Norwich describe as the roles of the Trinity in her meditations? [02:14]
2. How does Julian's vision of the crucifixion lead her to a deeper understanding of the Trinity? [01:44]
3. What is the significance of the Holy Spirit being described as the "shy member" of the Trinity? [03:57]
4. How does Julian's meditation on a hazelnut illustrate God's love and care for creation? [07:51]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the mutual admiration within the Trinity challenge our understanding of divine relationships? [03:25]
2. In what ways does Julian's description of the Trinity as "our maker, protector, and everlasting lover" impact our view of God's nature? [02:14]
3. How can the Holy Spirit's "shyness" serve as a model for living in community with others? [04:19]
4. What does Julian's assurance that "all will be well" reveal about her understanding of God's sovereignty and love? [08:17]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea of the Trinity as a "circle of love." How can this concept influence the way you interact with your community and family? [05:28]
2. Julian's meditation on the crucifixion led her to joy in the Trinity. How can you find joy in contemplating the sacrifice of Christ in your daily life? [01:44]
3. The Holy Spirit is described as pointing to Jesus and celebrating His presence. How can you practice this "other-centeredness" in your relationships? [04:19]
4. Julian saw the sacred in the ordinary, like a hazelnut. What ordinary aspect of your life can you view as sacred, and how might this change your perspective? [07:51]
5. Julian's assurance that "all will be well" is a profound statement of faith. How can you apply this assurance to a current challenge or worry in your life? [08:17]
6. Consider the admiration within the Trinity. How can you cultivate a spirit of admiration and appreciation in your interactions with others? [03:25]
7. Julian's insights challenge us to see the divine presence in every aspect of life. What steps can you take to become more aware of God's presence in your daily routine? [08:17]

Devotional

Day 1: The Trinity as a Living Relationship
Julian of Norwich's meditations on the crucifixion led her to a profound understanding of the Trinity as our maker, protector, and everlasting lover. This revelation invites us to see the Trinity not just as a theological concept but as a living relationship that fills our hearts with joy and invites us into its circle of love. The interconnectedness within the Trinity is a source of joy and admiration, and it extends to humanity, inviting us to participate in this divine relationship. This understanding challenges us to view our relationship with God as dynamic and alive, filled with love and joy. [02:00]

Ephesians 2:18-19 (ESV): "For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in the living relationship of the Trinity today, allowing it to fill your heart with joy and love?


Day 2: Admiration Within the Trinity
The admiration within the Trinity is a vital aspect of the divine relationship, often overlooked. The members of the Trinity admire one another, and this admiration extends to include humanity, inviting us to participate in the divine dance of love and joy. This mutual admiration is a model for how we might live in community, valuing and celebrating each other's presence and contributions. By recognizing and participating in this divine admiration, we are invited to see ourselves and others through the lens of divine love and joy. [03:25]

Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV): "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."

Reflection: In what ways can you express admiration and appreciation for those around you, reflecting the divine admiration within the Trinity?


Day 3: The Holy Spirit's Other-Centeredness
The Holy Spirit, often seen as the shy member of the Trinity, exemplifies other-centeredness, pointing to Jesus and celebrating His presence. This shyness is not timidity but a profound awareness and delight in the other, offering a model for how we might live in community. By focusing on others and celebrating their presence, we can create a community that reflects the love and joy of the Trinity. This perspective encourages us to shift our focus from ourselves to others, finding joy in their presence and contributions. [04:19]

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."

Reflection: How can you practice other-centeredness today, focusing on celebrating and uplifting those around you?


Day 4: God's Love in the Ordinary
Julian's meditation on a simple hazelnut reveals the depth of God's love and care for creation. She sees in it the properties of being made, loved, and preserved by God, illustrating the vastness of God's love and the smallness of the universe in His hands. This perspective reassures us that all will be well, as God's love encompasses all things. Her insights challenge us to see the sacred in the ordinary and to recognize the divine presence in every aspect of life. [07:51]

Psalm 104:24-25 (ESV): "O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great."

Reflection: What ordinary aspect of your life can you view through the lens of God's love and care today, recognizing the sacred in the mundane?


Day 5: Assurance of God's Encompassing Love
The notion that all will be well, as expressed by Julian, reassures us of God's encompassing love. This perspective challenges us to see the sacred in the ordinary and to recognize the divine presence in every aspect of life, reminding us that the universe is small in the hands of a big God. By trusting in God's love and care, we can find peace and assurance in the midst of life's challenges, knowing that we are held in His loving hands. [08:17]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust in God's encompassing love and care, allowing His peace to reassure you that all will be well?

Quotes


i saw the red blood running down from under the crown, hot and flowing freely, and a living stream just as it was the time when the crown of thorns was pressed against his blessed head okay she is meditating on this experience in the crucifixion and it led her to a whole contemplation on the trinity. [00:01:17]

that revelation suddenly the trinity filled my heart full of the greatest joy and i understood that it would be so in heaven without end to all who would come there for the trinity is god god is the trinity the trinity is our maker the trinity is our protector the trinity is our everlasting lover. [00:01:50]

the trinity is our endless joy and bliss but our lord jesus christ by our lord jesus christ and in our lord jesus christ now i find it interesting that a meditation on the crucifixion led her to this larger picture i mean larger in the sense of a meditation on the trinity. [00:02:16]

the members of the trinity admire one another yeah and they uh are filled with joy with other the other members of the trinity and then of course through the kingdom of god they reach out to include julian of norwich and us and it's never stops expanding right. [00:03:30]

he talks about how people often talk about how the holy spirit gets neglected but he says he doesn't think the holy spirit minds as long as people are celebrating jesus and one of the ways he'll picture the holy spirit is to have jesus on an image of jesus on a blackboard and get behind it and then point so that the spirit does. [00:03:57]

jesus says it's good for you that i'm going to leave because the spirit's going to come and so jesus has this same shyness he says not the shyness of timidity but the shyness of other centeredness and then when the father speaks in the gospels he doesn't say hey don't get too caught up in jesus. [00:04:19]

but to be so aware of and delighted by the other that you no longer need to promote yourself in order to enjoy your existence and this phrase that julian has the trinity is our everlasting lover i mean you know we get in all these debates about the trinity and she brings that right into this sort of circle of love. [00:05:05]

that allows the thing you're meditating on to begin to fill your heart and your life and the way the members of the trinity relate to one another is almost inscrutable to us it is in some measure no doubt but we try to think of it in human terms yeah and how would uh john dallas and richard manage to be a trinity. [00:05:42]

and he had been reading that passage by c.s lewis in the weight of glory where he says you know you will never eat meet an ordinary mortal everybody is becoming either a beast like you would see in a nightmare or a creature of such splendor you would want to bow down and worship and he read that and he said to his daughter. [00:06:32]

another thing about julian i loved so much was how she took ordinary things and the most famous passage about her is this hazelnut she finds this hazelnut and she meditates on the hazelnut it has three properties the first is that god made it the second is that god loves it and the third is that god preserves it. [00:07:20]

god is creator protector and lover yes i think the idea of god loving hazelnut is one of the most profound theological insights that you can have and that notion that the whole universe just fits in the hand of god and that all will be well you know because instead of it being a big universe and a little god. [00:07:51]

it's a little universe and a big god and all will be belle and all will be well and all manner of things shall be well in that astonishing. [00:08:17]

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Transcript
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