“My daughters are truly decked out and adorned” but “not after the similitude of a temple as theirs” that is, as men’s daughters are, for although in them appears a similitude (to the temple) yet in them there is no sanctity.

“The Temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.” And there is no doubt but “that the Lord is in His Holy Temple”, that is, in you.

“Do not weep, therefore, daughters of Jerusalem over yourselves” because I have gone from you in body, but rejoice over your Spouse who is in your midst.

“I too am present with you in spirit” rejoicing and recollecting that still a little while and my daughters “will be led to the Lord King and presented to Him in joy and exultation”.

They will be led in after her, the Virgin Mary, His Mother, chosen from among all virgins. She is unique, “His dove, His beautiful one”, “all fair and there is no spot in her.”

She is one “that bath not known sin”; she is full of charity and love, “full of grace, blessed among all women and the Lord is with her.”

After her will the spouses of Christ be led into that “temple of the King” “that is not made with hands” “where the Spouse rejoices over the bride” according to Isaias: “And your God will rejoice over you”.

You will come into Sion with songs of praise and everlasting joy, that is, with “the crown of immortality upon your hands” which is called joy.

You will then receive the kingdom of glory and “the diadem of beauty from the hand of the Lord”, for then is it that He says to His faithful servant “Enter into the joy of the Lord”, of Thy Lord, the Lord of the Order of Preachers.

“Then will all your sorrow be turned into joy and your joy no one will take from you”, for we shall rejoice eternally with Jesus Christ, Who is blessed forever and ever.

Jordan of Saxony (c.1190-1237): Letter 11 to Diana of Andalo.

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