The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION with Father Nenri J. M. Nouwen "Being Handed Over to Suffering" Saturday, 9 April 2016

The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada DAILY MEDITATION with Father Nenri J. M. Nouwen "Being Handed Over to Suffering" Saturday, 9 April 2016

Photo courtesy of Judith Leckie
People who live close together can be sources of great sorrow for one another. When Jesus chose his twelve apostles, Judas was one of them. Judas is called a traitor. A traitor, according to the literal meaning of the Greek word for "betraying," is someone who hands the other over to suffering.
The truth is that we all have something of the traitor in us because each of us hands our fellow human beings over to suffering somehow, somewhere, mostly without intending or even knowing it. Many children, even grown-up children, can experience deep anger toward their parents for having protected them too much or too little. When we are willing to confess that we often hand those we love over to suffering, even against our best intentions, we will be more ready to forgive those who, mostly against their will, are the causes of our pain.

For further reflection...
"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen [the others]." But he replied, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." Jesus answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me."[Luke 22: 31-34 (NIV)]
Your response...
How do you relate to Henri's confession about handing a loved one over to suffering?

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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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