A Companion to Hildegard of Bingen

the theology of repentance 227
correspond to the focus of the theological content in each part, as will be
demonstrated.
In part one, three winds emerge from a trumpet that hangs before
the man’s mouth. These winds represent three “paths of righteousness”,18
and each wind likewise carries a cloud in which living beings abide. In
the fijirst cloud of fijire, one fijinds the angels who burn with love for God
and the desire to see his visage. The virtues (uirtutes) assist them, such
that their will is one with the will of God.19 Both represent helpers on
whom humanity can call.
The second cloud contains the souls of the saints. This is their provisional
dwelling place, where they impatiently await the days of the Last Judgement.
This cloud is also stirred up because it also holds the works of those
who have endured many temptations. These acts shall also serve to assist
the souls of the blessed in attaining perfection during the Last Days.20
Finally, the third cloud holds the sun and the moon. In this case, as in
the Scivias, the sun stands for Christ and the moon for the Church. Or,
more exactly, the sun represents the “works of virginity in Christ,”21 by
means of which the devil can be conquered. The Church follows the example
of Christ and, for its part, fijights the devil with its holy works.22 The
Church, which plays such a central role in the Scivias, is not mentioned
again over the course of the Vite mer. However, the sacraments of baptism
and penance, as well as the priests, before whom one confesses, remain
of central importance. This demonstrates how the topics are weighted in
favor of penance. It is important for the reader to know that the Church
has a part to play in the battle against the devil; however, with respect to
penitence, it is the act of contrition itself, as well as the sacraments and the
priests who administer these sacraments, that is of primary importance.
The darkness in the north, and the damned souls that it contains, are
described in connection with the interpretations of the other clouds. This
is the eternal dwelling place of the souls who followed the works of the
devil in life. In the battle against God, the devil deploys the vices, who
grant humanity no peace and also delight in tempting individual humans.
The contrast between God, who dwells in heaven, and the devil, who
resides in darkness, is clearly emphasized.23
18 Ibid., 1.88, p. 28: “tres vias iustitae.”
19 Ibid., 1, pp. 29–31.
20 Ibid., 1, pp. 32–33.
21 Ibid., 1, p. 33: “opera uirginitatis in Christo.”
22 Ibid., 1, pp. 34–35.
23 Ibid., 1, pp. 35–38.