The Henri Houwen Society in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen DAILY MEDITATION "The Most Human and Most Divine Gesture" for Sunday, 2 October 2016.

Photo courtesy of Marc BetsworthThe Henri Houwen Society in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen DAILY MEDITATION "The Most Human and Most Divine Gesture" for Sunday, 2 October 2016.
The two disciples whom Jesus joined on the road to Emmaus recognised him in the breaking of the bread. What is a more common, ordinary gesture than breaking bread? It may be the most human of all human gestures: a gesture of hospitality, friendship, care, and the desire to be together. Taking a loaf of bread, blessing it, breaking it, and giving it to those seated around the table signifies unity, community, and peace. When Jesus does this he does the most ordinary as well as the most extraordinary. It is the most human as well as the most divine gesture.
The great mystery is that this daily and most human gesture is the way we recognise the presence of Christ among us. God becomes most present when we are most human.

For further reflection...
They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us...?[Luke 24: 32a (NIV)]
Your response...
"The glory of God is a human being fully alive" - Saint Irenaeus of Lyons

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Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comThe Henri Houwen Society in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen DAILY MEDITATION "Jesus Gives Himself to Us" for Saturday, 1 October 2016.
When we invite friends for a meal, we do much more than offer them food for their bodies. We offer friendship, fellowship, good conversation, intimacy, and closeness. When we say: "Help yourself ... take some more ... don't be shy ... have another glass," we offer our guests not only our food and our drink but also ourselves. A spiritual bond grows, and we become food and drink for one another other.
In the most complete and perfect way, this happens when Jesus gives himself to us in the Eucharist as food and drink. By offering us his Body and Blood, Jesus offers us the most intimate communion possible. It is a divine communion.

For further reflection...When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.[Luke 24: 30 (NIV)]
Your response...How does it feel to know that closeness with God is there for you as a gift to claim?

Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Can You Drink the Cup?"
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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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