“I will put my dwelling place among you.” (Lev. 26:11)
Expanded Passage: Leviticus 26:9-13
Julian of Norwich is perhaps one of the most mysterious Christian writers of the Middle Ages. Not much is known about her life. Even her name, Julian, is assumed. We do know Julian lived alone as an anchoress or hermit in her little English church. Paintings of Julian depict her surrounded by cats—the original “cat lady,” indeed!
But as strange as Juilan seems, her presence was powerful. As the bubonic plague ravaged Europe, many worried neighbors would visit Julian so she could pray for them. Most left filled with peace. Others left with their bodies miraculously healed. When Julian herself became ill in 1373, she was given sixteen visions and dreams about Jesus. These meditations remain the earliest surviving English works written by a woman.
In these writings, Julian taught about the “oneing” of God and her own soul: “The place which Jesus takes in our soul he will nevermore vacate, for in us is his home of homes, and it is the greatest delight for him to dwell there.” Later she wrote, “God is nearer to us than our own soul.” Echoing God’s promise in Leviticus, Julian knew that through every sacrifice and obedience, the goal of faith was togetherness with God. In whatever strange or unlikely place we find ourselves today, may we also find our home in God as God makes his home in us.
Consider how this “oneing” impacts you.
Michaela Moore enjoys country road runs, coffee with friends, beautiful books, and long, laugh-filled walks with her husband and co-pastor, Jackson. She has an MA in ministry and spiritual formation from Wesley Seminary (IN).
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
