Hildegard to the Abbot Gero
The Letters
strike against the spirit of lies, which is soon to come from its father the devil [cf.
John 8.44].
Out of the anxiety of my heart, therefore, I humbly and simply seek advice from you, as from the bride and handmaid of Christ aware of the secrets of God— if, however, such a request is not contrary to His will. I have been elected abbot of the community of brothers in Salem now that the abbot of that place has died, since I had held this same pastoral position for a long period of rime (although ineffectually) at Reitinhasil. God Himself, Who knows all secrets, is aware that I held that administrative position then, as this one now, against my will.
Therefore, in simplicity of heart, I ask you to enlighten me about the will of the Holy Spirit regarding this matter. That is, please deign to tell me whether it would be better for me to cast off this burden. If not, please tell me so. Whatever you decide, please send your response to me in a sealed letter through the present messenger.
Farewell in the Lord, my lady.
200r Hildegard to the Abbot Gero 1165–73 Once again, Hildegard advises retention of the office of authority.
Whoever takes up a field or a sheepfold to see that it is faithfully tended must not let it go, but, like the head of a household, must govern it For whoever abandons his sheepfold and takes up another is called a perverter of God's precepts.
Therefore, hold the rod of correction tight like a pious father and a zealous shepherd. The shepherd must not become a thief. Why? A thief steals what he wants and does not bother with things that do not interest him. Similarly, many shepherds choose what they want according to their own will, and reject the things they do not want. They frequently despise their perfect disciples, and seek after those who are unstable and vain. A pious father, however, chastises his son out of his complete love for him, and does not hold back from him what is good.
In your congregation I see that there are some who glow like the dawn [cf. II Sam 23.4] because of their good works and their patience. I perceive, however, that the majority are overclouded by their unstable character and vanity, and that they are bold enough to willfully make excuses for themselves.
Admonish and chastise these men to the best of your ability. For God chose both the Old and New Testaments and left them for His sons, so that they might learn to live by just law through the Holy Spirit,
God wants you. See to it, therefore, that you do not withdraw from Him.