The Henri Nouwen Society in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen DAILY MEDITATION "Knowing One Another in Christ" for Tuesday, 11 October 2016

The Henri Nouwen Society in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen DAILY MEDITATION "Knowing One Another in Christ" for Tuesday, 11 October 2016

Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.com
Often we think that we first have to know and understand one another before we gather around the Eucharistic table. Although it is good if those who share in the Body and Blood of Christ know one another personally, coming together regularly for the Eucharist can create a spiritual unity that goes far beyond the various levels of "knowing one another" in human ways. As we enter together into the sacred mysteries of the death and resurrection of Jesus by participating in the Eucharist, we gradually become one body. We truly come to know one another in Christ.

For further reflection...Look in the scroll of the Lord and read: "Not one of these will be missing, not one will lack her mate. For it is his mouth that has given the order, and his Spirit will gather them together."[Isaiah 34: 16 (NIV)]
Your response...
What is one of your most meaningful memories of receiving the bread and wine?

Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Spiritual Formation".

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The Henri Nouwen Society in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen DAILY MEDITATION "Breaking Through the Boundaries" for Monday, 10 October 2016

Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comThe sacrament of the Eucharist, as the sacrament of the presence of Christ among and within us, has the unique power to unite us into one body, irrespective of age, colour, race or gender, emotional condition, economic status, or social background. The Eucharist breaks through all these boundaries and creates the one body of Christ, living in the world as a vibrant sign of unity and community.
Jesus prays fervently to his Father: "May they all be one, just as, Father, you are in me and I am in you, so that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me" (John 17:21). The Eucharist is the sacrament of this divine unity lived out among all people.

For further reflection..."For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body -- whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free -- and we were all given the one Spirit to drink."[1 Corinthians 12: 13 (NIV)]
Your response...Has experiencing Jesus in the Eucharist led to deeper unity and community for you? Why or Why not?

Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Reaching Out".
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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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