I think the thing that stands out about St. Hildegard is the visions that she received over the course of her lifetime. Let’s face it, that is the biggest characteristic that distinguishes her from everyone else that she knew, and from everyone that I know, to be honest. It also might be the one aspect of her story that creates the most skepticism.
I get it; that’s a lot to believe. It certainly takes a great deal of faith to believe that God chose to send visions to a 3-year-old girl, and then continue them throughout her life. I found one account that argues she was just a migraine sufferer because the way she describes her visions mimics the migraine symptoms that some people experience. I suppose that can be partially true. Whether you believe in the visions or not, migraines might explain some of the physical sensations. So why does anyone believe this story?
I think there are a lot of reasons, really. Part of it is just faith. Without citing the entire creed, I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of Heaven and Earth. Along with that, I have no doubt that He can choose to communicate to anyone at any time in any form that He likes.
But why would we believe in this particular case of God’s communication with someone on earth? I suppose this is a more difficult question. This part requires some faith in the authority of the 12th century church leaders who declared it so. I understand how that can be a more difficult level of trust. Here is one reason that I think it makes sense to believe it.
Let’s consider the first millennium of Christianity. One major criticism that modern people sometimes mention is that it was such a patriarchal system. In fact, we are still criticized, at times, for some fairly patriarchal structures, even in the modern church. In that context, I can’t imagine what the church leaders would have to gain by promoting Hildegard and her visions. When they were confirmed by the church and became widely known, people around the world began to seek her counsel and advice. It seems unlikely that the men in those times would promote such authority in a woman unless they were very sure of her authenticity.
Finally, and maybe most importantly, the content of her visions and teachings inspire people to believe in them. In a reflection on the Franciscan Media page we find this thought: “Pope Benedict spoke about Hildegard of Bingen during two of his general audiences in September 2010. He praised the humility with which she received God’s gifts, and the obedience she gave Church authorities. He praised too the ‘rich theological content’ of her mystical visions that sum up the history of salvation from creation to the end of time.” (cited here, para 8)
Hildegard saw the harmony of God’s creation. She understood how men and women fit into that harmony. As she described it, “Sin destroyed the original harmony of creation. Christ’s redeeming death and resurrection opened up new possibilities. Virtuous living reduces the estrangement from God and others that sin causes.” (cited here)
Really, whether you feel a little skeptical about the visions or not, this is a message we can all embrace. How do we take advantage of the possibilities granted to us by Christ’s death and resurrection? Do we do everything we can to reduce estrangement from God by striving for holiness?
Lord God, we are so grateful for the gifts You share with us. Guide us to live more virtuous lives so we can draw ever closer to You.