Hildegard of Bingen is one of my favorite “lamplighters.” I heard the term Lamplighters from wisdom teacher mystic Cynthia Bourgeault who described the spiritual teachers in her life – both ancient and contemporary – as lamplighters, those lighting the way for her path.
I decided in 2024 to watch for various lamplighters to emerge and call to me to learn from them. Maybe only a few will appear; maybe more. About a month ago an article about Hildegard appeared with an interview of Joan Chittister.
After reading the article I wanted to reread more about this lamplighter.
Who is Hildegard
Hildegard of Bingen was born in 1098. The tenth child of a noble family, she was dedicated at birth to the church as was the custom of the day.
At age eight she was sent to live with Jutta, an anchoress, so she could get her religious education. An anchoress is like a religious recluse who spent most of her days in prayer in her tiny private cell.
When Jutta died years later, Hildegard became prioress of the Benedictine convent. Famous for her “illuminating” visions and spiritual wisdom, Hildegard wrote nearly 400 bold and feisty letters to bishops and kings, books about medicine and nature, music, and plays; she also undertook several preaching tours and called for church reform. Quite a feat for any woman, let alone in the 12th century!
Her most famous writing is “Scivias” or Know the Ways of the Lord. It is a visionary guide to Christian doctrine covering everything from creation to marriage and is written not in ordinary language but in extraordinary images.
Hildegard wrote and spoke extensively about social justice, about freeing the downtrodden, about the duty of seeing to it that every human being, made in the image of God, has the opportunity to develop and use the talents that God has given him, and to realize his God-given potential. This strikes a chord today.
My favorite quote from Hildegard
Thus am I, a feather on the breath of God.
God calls each of us to be His feather – responding to where He calls us. To be responsive to His nudges. To be open to His grace.
I want to live as a feather. Not burdened down with the heavy concerns of my heart, but focused, surrendered, dependent entirely on God for every moment. Ah, to be a feather. What a lovely image this is.
Hildegard Lessons
Every time I read about Hildegard, I learn new insights. This time this wisdom ignited my heart:
“The soul is a breath of living spirit, that with excellent sensitivity, permeates the entire body to give it life. Just so, the breath of the air makes the earth fruitful. Thus, the air is the soul of the earth, moistening it, greening it.” –Hildegard
I am an alive, creative child of God. Ever growing, ripening, being shaped by the Divine.
She wrote, “God created me… God is also my strength… Through God, I have living spirit. Through God I have life and movement. Through God I learn, I find my path…”
Hildegard found her strength through connecting with the Divine within. I can too.
Hildegard didn’t live a quiet retirement. While the average age of death for people in her time was 33 years, her calling began at the age of 42. No matter our age, God can and will use us in the work of the Kingdom.
“When I was forty-two years and seven months old, Heaven was opened and a fiery light of exceeding brilliance came and permeated my whole brain, and inflamed my whole heart and my whole breast, not like a burning but like a warming flame, as the sun warms anything its rays touch.” — Hildegard
How does Hildegard inspire you?
Who, what lamplighters, are you learning and walking with this year?
Thank you so much for the “Lamplighter” term. I’ve been re-reading books by Esther de Waal this month and am so grateful for her concept of creating our own cloister–space and time for stillness and quiet. Thank you for reminding me to explore Hildegard again.
I love the lamplighter term . Never read much by Esther deWaal may have to explore her!
I would like to comment on your favourite quote from Hildegard,
“Thus am I, a feather on the breath of God.”
I have just been reading some of Luci Shaw’s poems in her book, “Sea Glass” – here can be found her poem, “Comeback for Snowy Plover”.
The opening line begins with, “O lesser flake of feathers,”
and the last six lines of the poem form a question… (not all words included here to protect copyright)
“What urgent impulse then spirited you, … to fly the salt wind … over the wild surf, your pinions riding the breath of God.”
I recognise that it would be a real blessing if I was open to being a feather riding the breath of God.
Thank you for sharing your inspiration.
will check out that poe, William. thank you!!
Lamplighters. What a lovely, apt description, Jean. And isn’t it encouraging to know that the things she was most passionate about way back in the day, ring very true for us in this century. The deepest needs of our hearts remain the same.
I love that term and isn’t it full of truth? we can learn so much from other writers especially from our rich history. Thanks for commenting Linda!!
Thank you, Jean, for introducing us to Hildegard Bingen–an inspiration to us for sure! I especially appreciate how she used her voice, whether in speech or written works, to call for fair treatment of others. / I’ve never chosen a lamplighter before . . . I’ll have to give that some thought!
I do enjoy and learn so much from these lamplighters. to take the time to dig into their lives and if they had them, their writing is full of wisdom. They become our friends!
thank you jean…oh to be a feather when God blows…im mostly a boulder but really trying to chip it down cause theres no other way to true inner peace..my lamplighter this past year and continues to be thomas a kempis book..The Imitation of Christ…totally great…
Peace
I love that quote by her. such a great image to hold when surrendering isn’t it? I haven’t read Thomas A Kempis for a long time. I have a translation of his work. Maybe I will reread that this year. Thanks for the inspiration.
I hadn’t known anything about this remarkable and God-infused woman until today, Jean. Now, I want to learn more, not only about Hildegard, but other lamplighters, too. Oh, what vision and inspiration she embodied! Who wouldn’t want to know more?
Blessings always!
Isn’t she amazing? Every time I read her story I am fascinated by her and all she did.