Missionary Renegade: The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION "Being Safe Places for Others" for Monday, 28 December 2015

Monday, December 28, 2015

The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION "Being Safe Places for Others" for Monday, 28 December 2015

The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION "Being Safe Places for Others" for Monday, 28 December 2015

Photo courtesy of SDGcards.comWhen we are free from the need to judge or condemn, we can become safe places for people to meet in vulnerability and take down the walls that separate them. Being deeply rooted in the love of God, we cannot help but invite people to love one another. When people realise that we have no hidden agendas or unspoken intentions, that we are not trying to gain any profit for ourselves, and that our only desire is for peace and reconciliation, they may find the inner freedom and courage to leave their guns at the door and enter into conversation with their enemies.
Many times this happens even without our planning. Our ministry of reconciliation most often takes place when we ourselves are least aware of it. Our simple, nonjudgmental presence does it.

For further reflection...
"We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. As a fair exchange -- I speak as to my children -- open wide your hearts also."[2 Corinthians 6: 11, 13 (NIV)]
What attracts you to the life of courage and vulnerability that Henri describes?
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Text excerpts taken from Bread for the Journey, by Henri J.M. Nouwen, ©1997 HarperSanFrancisco. All Scripture from The Jerusalem Bible ©1966, 1967, and 1968 Darton, Longman & Todd and Doubleday & Co. Inc. Scripture chosen by L. Yeskoo.
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