‘The Book of Questions’ – St. Birgitta of Sweden – Interrogation 8
[Saint Bridget of Sweden – XIV Century AD; Uppland, Sweden/Rome, Papal States; Patron Saint of Europe, Widow, Mystic, Spiritual Writer]
“Interrogation 8
First question. Again the monk appeared on his rung as before, saying: ”O Judge, I ask you: Why do you permit gods to be placed in temples and receive honor as yourself, even though your kingdom is nobler beyond all else?”
Second question. ”Why do you not let people see your glory in this life, so that they may desire it more fervently?”
Third question. ”Since your saints and angels are nobler and holier above all other creatures, why are they not seen by people in this life?”
Fourth question. ”Since the punishments of hell are horrible beyond compare, why do you not let people see them in this life so that they may flee from them?”
Fifth question. ”Since the devils are ugly and misshapen beyond compare, why are they not visible to humans, for then nobody would follow them or give them their consent?”
Answer to the first question …More
"Answer to the third question. ”As to why the saints are not seen as they are, I answer: If my saints were openly visible and seen to speak, then honor would be given to them as to myself, and faith would have not merit. Besides, weak flesh would not be capable of seeing them, and it does not accord with my justice that such great weakness should behold so splendid a sight. Consequently, my saints are neither heard nor seen as they are, in order that I should receive all the honor and so that people may know that no one is to be loved more than me."
"Answer to the second question. ”As to why my glory is not seen, I answer: My glory is ineffable and cannot be compared to anything in sweetness and goodness. If my glory were to be seen as it is, the corruptible human body would grow weak and fail as did the senses of those who saw my glory on the mount. Besides, because of the soul's joy, the body would leave off working and be incapable of physical activity."
One more comment from In Principio
"Answer to the first question. The Judge answered: ”My friend, I am God, the creator of all, who does no more injustice to the wicked than to the good, because I am justice itself. It is in accord with my justice that entry into heaven must be gained through steadfast faith, rational hope, and fervent love."
If I were to destroy the things that people love more than me, and make the people adore me against their will, then I would certainly do them an injustice by taking away their free will and desire from them.
Since nobody should desire the joy of heaven out of fear of punishment but out of divine love, the punishments therefore remain hidden for now.
I started to think I should start thinking more of hell and how dangerous it is to grow more in love with GOD. Thinking maybe that is what I needed. After I read that, I will continue to think only of GOD. I don't want fear in my life. just a great love for GOD and won't clutter it with fear or demons and going to hell. I should not have even thought about doing such a thing. Thankfully I haven't thought of it or them.