Daily Meditation: Being Merciful with Ourselves

DAILY MEDITATION Being Merciful with Ourselves February 2 Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.com We need silence in our lives. We even desire it. But when we enter into silence we encounter a lot of inner noises, often so disturbing that a busy and distracting life seems preferable to a time of silence. Two disturbing "noises" present themselves quickly in our silence: the noise of lust and the noise of anger. Lust reveals our many unsatisfied needs, anger or many unresolved relationships. But lust and anger are very hard to face. What are we to do? Jesus says, "Go and learn the meaning of the words: Mercy is what pleases me, not sacrifice" (Matthew 9:13). Sacrifice here means "offering up," "cutting out," "burning away," or "killing." We shouldn't do that with our lust and anger. It simply won't work. But we can be merciful toward our own noisy selves and turn these enemies into friends. For further reflection... "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures." - Proverbs 24: 3,4 Your response... What kinds of noises do you experience in your times of silence, and how easy or difficult is it to have mercy on yourself? Comment on this Daily Meditation. Continue the Inspiration Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "The Way of the Heart".   Visit our Bookstore: United States | Canada | United Kingdom 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:

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Daily Meditation: Solidarity in Weakness

DAILY MEDITATION Solidarity in Weakness February 1  Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.com Joy is hidden in compassion. The word compassion literally means "to suffer with." It seems quite unlikely that suffering with another person would bring joy. Yet being with a person in pain, offering simple presence to someone in despair, sharing with a friend times of confusion and uncertainty ... such experiences can bring us deep joy. Not happiness, not excitement, not great satisfaction, but the quiet joy of being there for someone else and living in deep solidarity with our brothers and sisters in this human family. Often this is a solidarity in weakness, in brokenness, in woundedness, but it leads us to the center of joy, which is sharing our humanity with others. For further reflection... "For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn -- conflicts on the outside, fears within.  But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus... he told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever." - 2 Corinthians 7: 5-7 Your response... What is it like for you to be present to someone who is suffering? Comment on this Daily Meditation. Continue the Inspiration Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "The Wounded Healer".   Visit our Bookstore: United States | Canada | United Kingdom 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:

Forward This Email to a Friend This email was sent to cbgamb@gmail.com by email_lists@henrinouwen.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Rapid removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | About our service provider. Henri Nouwen Society | 95 St. Joseph Street, Room 214 | Toronto | ON | M5S 2R9 | Canada