Today we remember
Saint Mechtilde of Hackeborn, a 13th century Cistercian nun from
the convent of Helfta. Even in her lifetime Mechtilde was renowned for her
humility, fervor and gentleness. Her prayer was marked by the great familiarity
and intensity with which she lived her relationship with Jesus and the Virgin
Mary.
It was said of
Mechtilde that, "the words of the Gospel were a marvelous nourishment for
her and in her heart stirred feelings of such sweetness that, because of her
enthusiasm, she was often unable to finish reading it.” In one of her
visions, Jesus opened the wound in his heart and said to her, "Consider the immensity of my love: if you want to know it well, nowhere
will you find it more clearly expressed than in the Gospel. No one has ever
heard expressed stronger or more tender sentiments than these, ‘As the Father has loved me, so I have loved
you.’
In another vision Jesus showed Mechtilde his heart and said that it was like a kitchen where those he loved could go whenever they wanted nourishment. With Mechtilde we hasten to the wounded heart of Christ for all that we need and long for.
Insights from an address of Pope Benedict XVI and from Scholars and Mystics by Sister Mary Jeremy, OP.
