Hildegard to the Abbot
The Letters of Hildegard of Bingen On top of all these evils, I have been assailed by a grave and dangerous disease, which threatens my life unless I am cured by the mercy of God through you. But because "God is compassionate and merciful" [Ecclus 2.13] and "will do the will of them that fear him" [Ps 144.19], I ask that through your prayers I may evade all these evils in both body and soul, and that, with the yoke of the domination of my enemies lifted from me—for their yoke has been heavy upon me [cf. Is 47.6]—He will shower some small part of the multitude of His mercies [cf. Lam 3.32] upon me. Has He not reserved a blessing for me [cf. Gen 27.36]?
I pray that He bless me. I ask also, saintly lady—if indeed I dare to ask—that you teach me about the future state of my life.
Presumption has caused me to seek all these things from you, for your great fame has shown that they are all possible to you through Christ, Who dwells in you [cf. Rom 8.9]. Farewell, lady, and may God make me worthy of both a response from you and the aid of your prayers. For I commit myself, living and dead, to your holy prayers.
112r(?) Hildegard to the Abbot Before 1170 Hildegard praises the abbot's choice of the high vocation of pastoral care, but advises him that if his flock will not obey him, he should resign from his position.
Still, his present mood, she admonishes, is the result of weariness, and it would be better for him to retain his office.
The Living Light says: The first motivation, which you have kept in your heart, filled you like a river [cf. Ecclus 47.16]; the second showered you with light; but the third, which is pastoral care, is the best—if your sheep hear your voice. If they do not hear you, however, resign your office so that you can give a good account of the talent entrusted to you [cf. Matt 25.14ff]. For if you cannot serve well as a master over your brothers, then be in subjection like them.
But I say to you: You have been worn down by the vicissitudes of your holy vocation. But it is better for you to have anxiety for your other brothers than for you to force yourself, alone, into subjection. Live, therefore, in the fiery Giver, and do not be slack in vigilance.