The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Daily Meditation: "Being Safe Places for Others" for Thursday, 28 December 2017
DAILY MEDITATION: "Being Safe Places for Others" for Thursday, 28 December 2017
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When 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))
Your response...
What attracts you to the life of courage and vulnerability that Henri describes?
Comment on this meditation.
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "The Inner Voice of Love".
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The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Daily Meditation: "" for Wednesday, 27 December 2017
DAILY MEDITATION: "A Nonjudgmental Presence" for Wednesday 28 December 2017
Photo courtesy of V. Dobson
To the degree that we accept that through Christ we ourselves have been reconciled with God we can be messengers of reconciliation for others. Essential to the work of reconciliation is a nonjudgmental presence. We are not sent to the world to judge, to condemn, to evaluate, to classify, or to label. When we walk around as if we have to make up our mind about people and tell them what is wrong with them and how they should change, we will only create more division. Jesus says it clearly: "Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge; ... do not condemn; ... forgive" (Luke 6:36-37).In a world that constantly asks us to make up our minds about other people, a nonjudgmental presence seems nearly impossible. But it is one of the most beautiful fruits of a deep spiritual life and will be easily recognized by those who long for reconciliation.
For further reflection...
"We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited." (2 Corinthians 6: 3 (NIV))
Your response...
Who has been a nonjudgmental presence of God's love in your life? How did they show compassion in action?
Comment on this meditation.
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Compassion".
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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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