All shall be well

All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well. – Julian of Norwich

This statement of one of the fundamental truths about the relationship of humans and God is one of the greatest gifts to be offered the world that often despairs in the face of disasters and horrible personal circumstances.

Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) is one of the greatest English mystics.A wonderful commentary on her insights is given here.

That commentary contains this statement:  "Julian’s positive outlook does not come from ignoring suffering or being blind to it, but arises from the clarity she attained as she struggled with her own questions. This struggle gave her the ability to see beyond the pain and suffering and to look into the compassionate face of God. Only this gazing could reassure her that – despite pain, and sorrow – in God’s own time, “all shall be well.”

Julian asked: “Ah, good Lord, how could all things be well, because of the great harm which has come through sin to your creatures?”

This was God’s response to her as Julian describes it:: “And so our good Lord answered all the questions and doubts which I could raise, saying most comfortingly: I make all things well, and I can make all things well, and I shall make all things well, and I will make all things well; and you will see for yourself that every kind of thing will be well. ... And in these words God wishes us to be enclosed in rest and peace.”