(1256-1302) Gertrude was born in Germany and was possibly an orphan, as no information about her parents exists. She was sent to a Benedictine monastery in Helfta at age five for her education, where she excelled in both intellectual and spiritual development. Already a distinguished scholar by her mid-20s, Gertrude had a vision of Christ that sparked deeper devotion to personal prayer and Biblical studies. She continued to have visions, wrote spiritual treatises, and helped spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Her writings were praised by later great mystics, such as Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint Francis de Sales.
Humility was one of Saint Gertrude’s greatest virtues. She acknowledged her defects and sought forgiveness often. In Steps 4-6, we develop deep self-awareness and identify our defects. In Step 7, we “humbly asked [God] to remove our shortcomings.” Does that mean we should be perfect now?
“O Sacred Heart of Jesus…Your Heart is a glowing furnace of Love…consume my heart with the burning fire with which Yours is aflamed…Let my will be conformed to Yours in all things. May Your Will be the rule of all my desires and actions. Amen” (Saint Gertrude the Great).
Reflection by Brad Farmer