Sin and Mercy from a 14th Century Mystic

Julian of Norwich was a 14th century English mystic. She is sometimes regarded as the patron saint of the anxious, which is appropriate for her work and her most famous quote: It behooved (was needful) that there should be sin; but all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.

This revelation came out of a time of prayer when Julian of Norwich asked God why he did not prevent sin from entering the world. Although the answer to this question is beyond our understanding, God’s response to her prayer illuminates one of the sweetest things we can experience in life, tasting and receiving God’s mercy.  

Julian of Norwich also wrote: Mercy is a sweet, gracious working in love, mingled with plenteous pity: for mercy worketh in keeping us, and mercy worketh turning to us all things to good.

Mercy is not angry, cold, and stingy, but it is gentle and gracious. It is mingled with pity, so it is compassionate, tender, and understanding of human weakness. It actively works to keep us in peace and it works to turn all things, even our human sin and frailty, to good. And all of this happens in God’s perfect, alchemical way. May we be drawn to repentance of sin through God’s kindness, and celebrate the mercy He so lavishly gives us. 

Dr. Jill Schroeder-Dorn, Director of Worship Arts