Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comWhen 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?
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "The Inner Voice of Love".-------
Year End - 2016
It has been a very full and a very exciting year for all of us at the Henri Nouwen Society.The highlight of the past year has to be the Way of the Heart conference that brought together an unprecedented gathering of Nouwen experts, lecturers and authors - and close to 250 participants! It was only three short days, but its impact reverberates still. A wonderfully informative and inspiring gathering if there ever was one.
We continue to extend Henri's reach through many avenues and platforms:
Our Daily Meditation emails remain a perennial favorite. Almost daily readers let us know how much they appreciate these encouraging and inspirational devotionals.
Lent and Advent Reflections provide spiritual nourishment for those looking to enrich their Easter and Christmas preparations.
A new Henri Nouwen book was released this year - 20 years after his death. Within weeks of its release, Publishers Weekly named "Love, Henri" one of the top five religious books of the year. We also saw the reissue of eight of Henri's most meaningful titles in one new volume titled "The Spiritual Life", as well as the release of a special two-in-one volume of his most endearing and popular books "The Return of the Prodigal Son" and "Home Tonight".
We have made great strides in developing two newest initiatives based on Henri's teachings. We will be rolling out practical and much-needed workshops in Caregiving and the Spirituality of Fundraising throughout 2017.
If you don't already follow us on Facebook, I invite you to join check out our Facebook page. We offer many wonderful gems extracted from Henri's published and unpublished works. http://bit.ly/2hI614K
Finally, I wish to thank all of you who have supported us financially and through your prayers and encouragement during this past year. It's because of you that we are able to introduce Henri Nouwen to a new generation of spiritually hungry readers and seekers. Your continued support is needed and greatly appreciated.
My hope is that the description of God's love in my lifewill give you the freedom and courage to discover
God's love in yours.[Henri Nouwen]
With gratitude,
Karen Pascal
Henri Nouwen Society|
1-866-226-2158
www.henrinouwen.org
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The Henri Nouwen Society in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen DAILY MEDITATION "A Nonjudgmental Presence" for Tuesday, 27 December 2016
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?
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Compassion".
Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.com
How do we work for reconciliation? First and foremost by claiming for ourselves that God through Christ has reconciled us to God. It is not enough to believe this with our heads. We have to let the truth of this reconciliation permeate every part of our beings. As long as we are not fully and thoroughly convinced that we have been reconciled with God, that we are forgiven, that we have received new hearts, new spirits, new eyes to see, and new ears to hear, we continue to create divisions among people because we expect from them a healing power they do not possess.
Only when we fully trust that we belong to God and can find in our relationship with God all that we need for our minds, hearts, and souls, can we be truly free in this world and be ministers of reconciliation. This is not easy; we readily fall back into self-doubt and self-rejection. We need to be constantly reminded through God's Word, the sacraments, and the love of our neighbours that we are indeed reconciled.
For further reflection..."Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."[2 Corinthians 7: 1 (NIV)]
Your response...What helps you let God's gift for you of reconciliation descend from your head, into your heart, and into your whole self?
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "The Inner Voice of Love".
Photo courtesy of V. DobsonTo 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?
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Compassion".
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The Henri Nouwen Society in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with Father Henri J. M. Nouwen DAILY MEDITATION "Claiming our Reconciliation" for Monday, 26 December 2016Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.comHow do we work for reconciliation? First and foremost by claiming for ourselves that God through Christ has reconciled us to God. It is not enough to believe this with our heads. We have to let the truth of this reconciliation permeate every part of our beings. As long as we are not fully and thoroughly convinced that we have been reconciled with God, that we are forgiven, that we have received new hearts, new spirits, new eyes to see, and new ears to hear, we continue to create divisions among people because we expect from them a healing power they do not possess.
Only when we fully trust that we belong to God and can find in our relationship with God all that we need for our minds, hearts, and souls, can we be truly free in this world and be ministers of reconciliation. This is not easy; we readily fall back into self-doubt and self-rejection. We need to be constantly reminded through God's Word, the sacraments, and the love of our neighbours that we are indeed reconciled.
For further reflection..."Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."[2 Corinthians 7: 1 (NIV)]
Your response...What helps you let God's gift for you of reconciliation descend from your head, into your heart, and into your whole self?
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "The Inner Voice of Love".
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Consider our monthly giving program to sustain the ability to extend Henri's legacy and make his work available to those who seek spiritual formation and nourishment. Click here to sign up today.
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
214 - 95 Saint Joseph Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2R9, Canada
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Canada
United Kingdom
Consider our monthly giving program to sustain the ability to extend Henri's legacy and make his work available to those who seek spiritual formation and nourishment. Click here to sign up today.
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
214 - 95 Saint Joseph Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2R9, Canada
-------
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