Hildegard to the Abbot Manegold
The Letters
Yet I saw that this heavy burden is not a sign of God's wrath.1 Still, those with the character of bears and panthers will rush upon you, and you will be subjected to the poison of vipers [cf. Deut 32.33]. But the sword of God will cut them down, and you will arise among them like a noble knight.
Now I admonish you to rein in your subordinates, and not allow them to slander you. The True Light says to you, Why do you not strike those evil servants, who seize you like wolves, and lay secret ambushes for you like spiders.
Keep a careful watch, for the morals of the people require it in this evil time.
O gentle father, the True Light does not reveal to me, poor little woman that I am, that you are to give up your office. Bear in mind that you are a human being on earth, and do not fear so greatly, because God does not always demand heavenly attributes from you.
Note 1. Probably in response to Manegold's own characterization of the new burden of office that has befallen him.
Hildegard to the Abbot Manegold 1156-65 Hildegard gives some general comments about the duties of office.
The Mysteries of God say: God wants the heavens to be upheld. Why do I say this? Heaven is that father who has the duty of providing sustenance for his sheepfold, for just as heaven reveals all the stars, so the father makes known to his sheepfold all the commandments of God. And the father should not become negligent and weary, lest his lord say to him: "Worthless servant" [Matt 18.32;
Luke 19.22], why do you scatter my sheep [cf.John 10.12]? But let his lord say to him, "Well done, good servant" [Matt 25.21ff; Luke 19.17], and let him add,
Mindful of me, you will lead the flocks to pasture, as long as the sheepfold does not say, "We will not have this man to reign over us" [Luke 19.14]. If the sheepfold says this, it is to be abandoned, just as Jesus left the unbelieving Jews behind.
As for you, O man, you will remain in God forever. Take care of all things faithfully.