Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comWe don't have to go far to find the treasure we are seeking. There is beauty and goodness right where we are. And only when we can see the beauty and goodness that are close by can we recognize beauty and goodness on our travels far and wide. There are trees and flowers to enjoy, paintings and sculptures to admire; most of all there are people who smile, play, and show kindness and gentleness. They are all around us, to be recognized as free gifts to receive in gratitude.
Our temptation is to collect all the beauty and goodness surrounding us as helpful information we can use for our projects. But then we cannot enjoy it, and we soon find that we need a vacation to restore ourselves. Let's try to see the beauty and goodness in front of us before we go elsewhere to look for it.
For further reflection...
"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."[Hebrews 13: 5]
Your response...
What are you most grateful for today?
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "A Spirituality of Homecoming".
---------------------
The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen "Celebrating Being Alive" for Saturday, 13 February 2016
Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comBirthdays are so important. On our birthdays we celebrate being alive. On our birthdays people can say to us, "Thank you for being!" Birthday presents are signs of our families' and friends' joy that we are part of their lives. Little children often look forward to their birthdays for months. Their birthdays are their big days, when they are the center of attention and all their friends come to celebrate.
We should never forget our birthdays or the birthdays of those who are close to us. Birthdays keep us childlike. They remind us that what is important is not what we do or accomplish, not what we have or who we know, but that we are, here and now. On birthdays let us be grateful for the gift of life.
For further reflection...
"Lord, by such things [we] live, and my spirit finds life in them too. You restored me to health and let me live!"[Isaiah 38: 16]
Your response...
"There are two great days in a person's life: The day we are born, and the day we discover why."[WIlliam Barclay]
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Bread for the Journey".---------------------
The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen "Words That Feed Us" for Friday, 12 February 2016
Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comWords, words, words. Our society is full of words: on billboards, on television screens, in newspapers and books. Words whispered, shouted, and sung. Words that move, dance, and change in size and color. Words that say, "Taste me, smell me, eat me, drink me, sleep with me," but most of all, "buy me." With so many words around us, we quickly say: "Well, they're just words." Thus, words have lost much of their power.
Still, the word has the power to create. When God speaks, God creates. When God says, "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3), light is. God speaks light. For God, speaking and creating are the same. It is this creative power of the word we need to reclaim. What we say is very important. When we say, "I love you," and say it from the heart, we can give another person new life, new hope, new courage. When we say, "I hate you," we can destroy another person. Let's watch our words.
For further reflection...
"The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught."[Isaiah 50:4]
Your response...
"Listen into the silences where the best words begin."[Marilyn Chandler McEntyre, Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies]
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "The Inner Voice of Love".---------------------
The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Daily Meditation Ministry Survey Results for Thursday, 11 February 2016
Here is what you told the Henri Nouwen Society!
Thank you for your participation in the Daily Meditation ministry survey in July. We are pleased to share the results with you!
We learned much from what you had to say. One thing that stands out is that most of you love the Daily Meditation just as it is! We are pleased to be providing a ministry that makes such an impact each day.
Over 3,200 people responded to the survey and provided wonderful and valuable input. Thank you for taking the time for this important work. You will enjoy reading what you told us. Happy reading!
____________________________________________
How does the ministry enrich your spiritual practice?
The majority of people read the meditation daily as it provides a quiet moment to pray and give thanks. They also enjoy Henri's message and when relevant, share it with others by forwarding the email to them. Very few people use the meditation to structure their spiritual study or use it in small group.
__________________________
What themes of Henri resonate most deeply with you?
Many of Henri's themes seem to resonate with most of the survey participants. Here are the top themes listed by popularity in ascending order:
Compassion
Prayer
Forgiveness
Hope
Trust
Living the Word
The least popular theme was fundraising.
__________________________
How did you find the Daily Meditation ministry and what made you decide to subscribe?
Close to half of the responses said they found out about the ministry and subscribed because a friend forwarded a daily meditation to them. A quarter of responses said they did an internet search on Henri Nouwen and found this ministry. 20% of folks had varied responses from seeing it posted on a friend's Facebook page, being told about it by friends, recommended by church members, and from reading his books. There were a handful of those who simply don't remember how or when they became a part of the Daily Meditation ministry because they signed up long ago!
__________________________
What would you like to see more of in the Daily Meditation email ministry?
Over 1,000 people shared their ideas and suggestions. This information is extremely valuable and is already being used to help structure future value for you. A large number of you let us know that you love the ministry just as it is.
What you love about it:
to be more applicable to daily life, life struggles and what's happening in the world
to consider writing in everyday language
to be possibly connected to Church calendars
possible topic or themed-based meditations*
*The request for topic or themed-based meditations was quite popular. Many of you made recommendations on what type of topics and themes you would like to see. Suggestions range from daily life matters with family, individual struggles and enlightenment to community work and interaction to exploring and living the Word of God. The Society will be taking these recommendations seriously when considering future programs and services such as the well received idea of the 30-Day Email Mediation series. Although this is not presently an active program, it will be given serious consideration in the new year.
What you recommend to help make it more impactful:
Are you or have you been a past financial supporter of the Society?
Approximately 80% of respondents are not or haven't had the opportunity to support the Society in this way.
__________________________
What new programs would interest you as a person familiar with the work (or writing) of Henri Nouwen?
By far the most popular response is the 30-Day Email Meditation series. The remaining program ideas are listed by popularity in ascending order:
___________________________________________
What's next?
As stated above, we have taken your input and have been incorporating it into our current developments.
We are excited to highlight some of those features on our new website.
If you haven't had a chance yet, click here to visit the new website.
Faithfully,
Karen Pascal, Executive Director---------------------
The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen "Words That Create" for Thursday, 11 February 2016
Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comWords, words, words. Our society is full of words: on billboards, on television screens, in newspapers and books. Words whispered, shouted, and sung. Words that move, dance, and change in size and color. Words that say, "Taste me, smell me, eat me, drink me, sleep with me," but most of all, "buy me." With so many words around us, we quickly say: "Well, they're just words." Thus, words have lost much of their power.
Still, the word has the power to create. When God speaks, God creates. When God says, "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3), light is. God speaks light. For God, speaking and creating are the same. It is this creative power of the word we need to reclaim. What we say is very important. When we say, "I love you," and say it from the heart, we can give another person new life, new hope, new courage. When we say, "I hate you," we can destroy another person. Let's watch our words.
For further reflection...
"As the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out of my mouth: it will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."[Isaiah 55: 10,11]
Your response...
How can you use words today to bless someone else?
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "The Way of the Heart".
---------------------
The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen "Dying Well" for Wednesday, 10 February 2016
Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comWe will all die one day. That is one of the few things we can be sure of. But will we die well? That is less certain. Dying well means dying for others, making our lives fruitful for those we leave behind. The big question, therefore, is not "What can I still do in the years I have left to live?" but "How can I prepare myself for my death so that my life can continue to bear fruit in the generations that will follow me?"
Jesus died well because through dying he sent his Spirit of Love to his friends, who with that Holy Spirit could live better lives. Can we also send the Spirit of Love to our friends when we leave them? Or are we too worried about what we can still do? Dying can become our greatest gift if we prepare ourselves to die well.
For further reflection...
"Now Israel's eyes were failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them. Israel said to Joseph, "I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too." Then Joseph removed them from Israel's knees and bowed down with his face to the ground. Then Jacob called for his sons and said, "Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come." When Jacob had finished [pronouncing blessings over] his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people. Joseph threw himself upon his father and wept over him and kissed him."[Genesis 48:10-12; 49:1,33; 50:1]
Your response...
Growth begins when we start to accept our own weakness."[Jean Vanier,Community and Growth]
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Our Greatest Gift".
---------------------
The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Reflection for Ash Wednesday, 10 February 2016
When I speak, let it be of blessing and gratitude; let your glory within me shine out to the world![Psalm 145:21]
A Lenten Prayer
The Lenten season begins. It is a time to be with you, Lord, in a special way, a time to pray, to fast, and thus to follow you on your way to Jerusalem, to Golgotha, and to the final victory over death.
I am still so divided. I truly want to follow you, but I also want to follow my own desires and lend an ear to the voices that speak about prestige, success, pleasure, power, and influence. Help me to become deaf to these voices and more attentive to your voice, which calls me to choose the narrow road to life.
I know that Lent is going to be a very hard time for me. The choice for your way has to be made every moment of my life. I have to choose thoughts that are your thoughts, words that are your words, and actions that are your actions. There are not times or places without choices. And I know how deeply I resist choosing you.
Please, Lord, be with me at every moment and in every place. Give me the strength and the courage to live this season faithfully, so that, when Easter comes, I will be able to taste with joy the new life that you have prepared for me. Amen.
Lent Online Book Discussion
The popular Lent Book Discussion begins today! This year's featured book is In the Name of Jesus. Facilitated by Ray Glennon, you are welcome to participate in any way that is spiritually nourishing for you!
Read * Reflect * Share
For more information, click here.
Lenten prayer from The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey(February 11, 1986) by Henri J.M. Nouwen. Copyright ©1988. Published by Doubleday, New York. Used with kind permission. Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible. Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Photo of Henri Nouwen by Frank Hamilton. Images used with kind permission.---------------------
The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen "Giving and Receiving Consolation" for Tuesday, 9 February 2016
Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comConsolation is a beautiful word. It means "to be" (con-) "with the lonely one"(solus). To offer consolation is one of the most important ways to care. Life is so full of pain, sadness, and loneliness that we often wonder what we can do to alleviate the immense suffering we see. We can and must offer consolation. We can and must console the mother who lost her child, the young person with AIDS, the family whose house burned down, the soldier who was wounded, the teenager who contemplates suicide, the old man who wonders why he should stay alive.
To console does not mean to take away the pain but rather to be there and say, "You are not alone, I am with you. Together we can carry the burden. Don't be afraid. I am here." That is consolation. We all need to give it as well as to receive it.
For further reflection...
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."[Galatians 6: 2]
Your response...
"You're imperfect and wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging."[Brene Brown, The GIfts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are]
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Compassion".
---------------------
The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen "Care, the Source of All Cure" for Monday, 8 February 2016
Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comCare is something other than cure. Cure means "change." A doctor, a lawyer, a minister, a social worker-they all want to use their professional skills to bring about changes in people's lives. They get paid for whatever kind of cure they can bring about. But cure, desirable as it may be, can easily become violent, manipulative, and even destructive if it does not grow out of care. Care is being with, crying out with, suffering with, feeling with. Care is compassion. It is claiming the truth that the other person is my brother or sister, human, mortal, vulnerable, like I am.
When care is our first concern, cure can be received as a gift. Often we are not able to cure, but we are always able to care. To care is to be human.
For further reflection...
"He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him."[Luke 10: 34]
Your response...
What part of your life needs special care today?
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "A Spirituality of Caregiving".
---------------------
The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen "Dressed in Gentleness" for Sunday, 7 February 2016
Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comOnce in a while we meet a gentle person. Gentleness is a virtue hard to find in a society that admires toughness and roughness. We are encouraged to get things done and to get them done fast, even when people get hurt in the process. Success, accomplishment, and productivity count. But the cost is high. There is no place for gentleness in such a milieu.
Gentle is the one who does "not break the crushed reed, or snuff the faltering wick" (Matthew 12:20). Gentle is the one who is attentive to the strengths and weaknesses of the other and enjoys being together more than accomplishing something. A gentle person treads lightly, listens carefully, looks tenderly, and touches with reverence. A gentle person knows that true growth requires nurture, not force. Let's dress ourselves with gentleness. In our tough and often unbending world our gentleness can be a vivid reminder of the presence of God among us.
For further reflection...
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."[Galatians 5: 22]
Your response...
Who is the most gentle person you know?
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Lifesigns".---------------------
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "A Spirituality of Homecoming".
---------------------
The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen "Celebrating Being Alive" for Saturday, 13 February 2016
Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comBirthdays are so important. On our birthdays we celebrate being alive. On our birthdays people can say to us, "Thank you for being!" Birthday presents are signs of our families' and friends' joy that we are part of their lives. Little children often look forward to their birthdays for months. Their birthdays are their big days, when they are the center of attention and all their friends come to celebrate.
We should never forget our birthdays or the birthdays of those who are close to us. Birthdays keep us childlike. They remind us that what is important is not what we do or accomplish, not what we have or who we know, but that we are, here and now. On birthdays let us be grateful for the gift of life.
For further reflection...
"Lord, by such things [we] live, and my spirit finds life in them too. You restored me to health and let me live!"[Isaiah 38: 16]
Your response...
"There are two great days in a person's life: The day we are born, and the day we discover why."[WIlliam Barclay]
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Bread for the Journey".---------------------
The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen "Words That Feed Us" for Friday, 12 February 2016
Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comWords, words, words. Our society is full of words: on billboards, on television screens, in newspapers and books. Words whispered, shouted, and sung. Words that move, dance, and change in size and color. Words that say, "Taste me, smell me, eat me, drink me, sleep with me," but most of all, "buy me." With so many words around us, we quickly say: "Well, they're just words." Thus, words have lost much of their power.
Still, the word has the power to create. When God speaks, God creates. When God says, "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3), light is. God speaks light. For God, speaking and creating are the same. It is this creative power of the word we need to reclaim. What we say is very important. When we say, "I love you," and say it from the heart, we can give another person new life, new hope, new courage. When we say, "I hate you," we can destroy another person. Let's watch our words.
For further reflection...
"The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught."[Isaiah 50:4]
Your response...
"Listen into the silences where the best words begin."[Marilyn Chandler McEntyre, Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies]
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "The Inner Voice of Love".---------------------
The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Daily Meditation Ministry Survey Results for Thursday, 11 February 2016
Here is what you told the Henri Nouwen Society!
Thank you for your participation in the Daily Meditation ministry survey in July. We are pleased to share the results with you!
We learned much from what you had to say. One thing that stands out is that most of you love the Daily Meditation just as it is! We are pleased to be providing a ministry that makes such an impact each day.
Over 3,200 people responded to the survey and provided wonderful and valuable input. Thank you for taking the time for this important work. You will enjoy reading what you told us. Happy reading!
____________________________________________
How does the ministry enrich your spiritual practice?
The majority of people read the meditation daily as it provides a quiet moment to pray and give thanks. They also enjoy Henri's message and when relevant, share it with others by forwarding the email to them. Very few people use the meditation to structure their spiritual study or use it in small group.
__________________________
What themes of Henri resonate most deeply with you?
Many of Henri's themes seem to resonate with most of the survey participants. Here are the top themes listed by popularity in ascending order:
Compassion
Prayer
Forgiveness
Hope
Trust
Living the Word
The least popular theme was fundraising.
__________________________
How did you find the Daily Meditation ministry and what made you decide to subscribe?
Close to half of the responses said they found out about the ministry and subscribed because a friend forwarded a daily meditation to them. A quarter of responses said they did an internet search on Henri Nouwen and found this ministry. 20% of folks had varied responses from seeing it posted on a friend's Facebook page, being told about it by friends, recommended by church members, and from reading his books. There were a handful of those who simply don't remember how or when they became a part of the Daily Meditation ministry because they signed up long ago!
__________________________
What would you like to see more of in the Daily Meditation email ministry?
Over 1,000 people shared their ideas and suggestions. This information is extremely valuable and is already being used to help structure future value for you. A large number of you let us know that you love the ministry just as it is.
What you love about it:
- it's based on Henri's writings
- it's length is just right (but please don't make it any longer!)
- the addition of scripture last year is well received (and a direct connection between the scripture and the message would be even better)
- some of you learn something new each year with the Bread For The Journey passages (and many of you would like to see new material based on his other works)
to be more applicable to daily life, life struggles and what's happening in the world
to consider writing in everyday language
to be possibly connected to Church calendars
possible topic or themed-based meditations*
*The request for topic or themed-based meditations was quite popular. Many of you made recommendations on what type of topics and themes you would like to see. Suggestions range from daily life matters with family, individual struggles and enlightenment to community work and interaction to exploring and living the Word of God. The Society will be taking these recommendations seriously when considering future programs and services such as the well received idea of the 30-Day Email Mediation series. Although this is not presently an active program, it will be given serious consideration in the new year.
What you recommend to help make it more impactful:
- adding a prayer, single sentence comment or quote for a takeaway
- include further references to Henri's readings or other books
- testimonials from subscribers on how this ministry has impacted your life
- practical hints for daily living out of the gospel message
- message from HNS and other leaders
- ability to easily share on Facebook and Twitter
Are you or have you been a past financial supporter of the Society?
Approximately 80% of respondents are not or haven't had the opportunity to support the Society in this way.
__________________________
What new programs would interest you as a person familiar with the work (or writing) of Henri Nouwen?
By far the most popular response is the 30-Day Email Meditation series. The remaining program ideas are listed by popularity in ascending order:
- Small group resources to promote faith sharing groups
- E-Workshops, multi-hour course-based on Nouwen's writings and teachings
- Electronic newsletter
- Spiritual support for caregivers
- Enhanced E-Book that combines text/audio/video to explore Henri's writings
- Other recommendations included retreats and/or retreat resources, support for church leaders, and a possible study course on the Bible and Henri's writings. Some of you told us that time is a precious commodity and that any new program would be evaluated on relevance, interest and time commitment. There is even a group of you who are ready to sign as soon as they become available.
___________________________________________
What's next?
As stated above, we have taken your input and have been incorporating it into our current developments.
We are excited to highlight some of those features on our new website.
- The Daily Meditation features predominantly on the homepage.
- You will be able to leave a comment and/or engage in discussion with others.
- The addition of an engaging question, comment or prayer at the end of each meditation.
- You can easily share the meditation on Facebook and Twitter.
- The length will remain the same.
- During 2016, we will be working towards archiving the ministry by topic and/or theme. Lastly, we will be exploring new spin-off program ideas based on what you have told us.
If you haven't had a chance yet, click here to visit the new website.
Faithfully,
Karen Pascal, Executive Director---------------------
The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen "Words That Create" for Thursday, 11 February 2016
Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comWords, words, words. Our society is full of words: on billboards, on television screens, in newspapers and books. Words whispered, shouted, and sung. Words that move, dance, and change in size and color. Words that say, "Taste me, smell me, eat me, drink me, sleep with me," but most of all, "buy me." With so many words around us, we quickly say: "Well, they're just words." Thus, words have lost much of their power.
Still, the word has the power to create. When God speaks, God creates. When God says, "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3), light is. God speaks light. For God, speaking and creating are the same. It is this creative power of the word we need to reclaim. What we say is very important. When we say, "I love you," and say it from the heart, we can give another person new life, new hope, new courage. When we say, "I hate you," we can destroy another person. Let's watch our words.
For further reflection...
"As the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out of my mouth: it will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."[Isaiah 55: 10,11]
Your response...
How can you use words today to bless someone else?
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "The Way of the Heart".
---------------------
The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen "Dying Well" for Wednesday, 10 February 2016
Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comWe will all die one day. That is one of the few things we can be sure of. But will we die well? That is less certain. Dying well means dying for others, making our lives fruitful for those we leave behind. The big question, therefore, is not "What can I still do in the years I have left to live?" but "How can I prepare myself for my death so that my life can continue to bear fruit in the generations that will follow me?"
Jesus died well because through dying he sent his Spirit of Love to his friends, who with that Holy Spirit could live better lives. Can we also send the Spirit of Love to our friends when we leave them? Or are we too worried about what we can still do? Dying can become our greatest gift if we prepare ourselves to die well.
For further reflection...
"Now Israel's eyes were failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them. Israel said to Joseph, "I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too." Then Joseph removed them from Israel's knees and bowed down with his face to the ground. Then Jacob called for his sons and said, "Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come." When Jacob had finished [pronouncing blessings over] his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people. Joseph threw himself upon his father and wept over him and kissed him."[Genesis 48:10-12; 49:1,33; 50:1]
Your response...
Growth begins when we start to accept our own weakness."[Jean Vanier,Community and Growth]
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Our Greatest Gift".
---------------------
The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Reflection for Ash Wednesday, 10 February 2016
When I speak, let it be of blessing and gratitude; let your glory within me shine out to the world![Psalm 145:21]
A Lenten Prayer
The Lenten season begins. It is a time to be with you, Lord, in a special way, a time to pray, to fast, and thus to follow you on your way to Jerusalem, to Golgotha, and to the final victory over death.
I am still so divided. I truly want to follow you, but I also want to follow my own desires and lend an ear to the voices that speak about prestige, success, pleasure, power, and influence. Help me to become deaf to these voices and more attentive to your voice, which calls me to choose the narrow road to life.
I know that Lent is going to be a very hard time for me. The choice for your way has to be made every moment of my life. I have to choose thoughts that are your thoughts, words that are your words, and actions that are your actions. There are not times or places without choices. And I know how deeply I resist choosing you.
Please, Lord, be with me at every moment and in every place. Give me the strength and the courage to live this season faithfully, so that, when Easter comes, I will be able to taste with joy the new life that you have prepared for me. Amen.
Lent Online Book Discussion
The popular Lent Book Discussion begins today! This year's featured book is In the Name of Jesus. Facilitated by Ray Glennon, you are welcome to participate in any way that is spiritually nourishing for you!
Read * Reflect * Share
For more information, click here.
Lenten prayer from The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey(February 11, 1986) by Henri J.M. Nouwen. Copyright ©1988. Published by Doubleday, New York. Used with kind permission. Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible. Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Photo of Henri Nouwen by Frank Hamilton. Images used with kind permission.---------------------
The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen "Giving and Receiving Consolation" for Tuesday, 9 February 2016
Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comConsolation is a beautiful word. It means "to be" (con-) "with the lonely one"(solus). To offer consolation is one of the most important ways to care. Life is so full of pain, sadness, and loneliness that we often wonder what we can do to alleviate the immense suffering we see. We can and must offer consolation. We can and must console the mother who lost her child, the young person with AIDS, the family whose house burned down, the soldier who was wounded, the teenager who contemplates suicide, the old man who wonders why he should stay alive.
To console does not mean to take away the pain but rather to be there and say, "You are not alone, I am with you. Together we can carry the burden. Don't be afraid. I am here." That is consolation. We all need to give it as well as to receive it.
For further reflection...
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."[Galatians 6: 2]
Your response...
"You're imperfect and wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging."[Brene Brown, The GIfts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are]
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Compassion".
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The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen "Care, the Source of All Cure" for Monday, 8 February 2016
Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comCare is something other than cure. Cure means "change." A doctor, a lawyer, a minister, a social worker-they all want to use their professional skills to bring about changes in people's lives. They get paid for whatever kind of cure they can bring about. But cure, desirable as it may be, can easily become violent, manipulative, and even destructive if it does not grow out of care. Care is being with, crying out with, suffering with, feeling with. Care is compassion. It is claiming the truth that the other person is my brother or sister, human, mortal, vulnerable, like I am.
When care is our first concern, cure can be received as a gift. Often we are not able to cure, but we are always able to care. To care is to be human.
For further reflection...
"He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him."[Luke 10: 34]
Your response...
What part of your life needs special care today?
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "A Spirituality of Caregiving".
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The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen "Dressed in Gentleness" for Sunday, 7 February 2016
Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comOnce in a while we meet a gentle person. Gentleness is a virtue hard to find in a society that admires toughness and roughness. We are encouraged to get things done and to get them done fast, even when people get hurt in the process. Success, accomplishment, and productivity count. But the cost is high. There is no place for gentleness in such a milieu.
Gentle is the one who does "not break the crushed reed, or snuff the faltering wick" (Matthew 12:20). Gentle is the one who is attentive to the strengths and weaknesses of the other and enjoys being together more than accomplishing something. A gentle person treads lightly, listens carefully, looks tenderly, and touches with reverence. A gentle person knows that true growth requires nurture, not force. Let's dress ourselves with gentleness. In our tough and often unbending world our gentleness can be a vivid reminder of the presence of God among us.
For further reflection...
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."[Galatians 5: 22]
Your response...
Who is the most gentle person you know?
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Lifesigns".---------------------
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Join us for the Lent 2016 discussion of Henri Nouwen's book "In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership".
Visit our new website for inspiration, resources, news, events, community.
LEARN MORE
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.
STAY CONNECTED:
Henri Nouwen Society
Join us for the Lent 2016 discussion of Henri Nouwen's book "In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership".
Visit our new website for inspiration, resources, news, events, community.
LEARN MORE
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.
STAY CONNECTED:
Henri Nouwen Society
95 Saint Joseph Street, Room 214
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2R9, Canada
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