Monday, November 30, 2020

Our 2020 Christmas Campaign Continues

Dear Friends,

We are now at the midway point of our annual Henri Nouwen Society Christmas Appeal. This is a very important time on our fundraising calendar.

During these uncertain and stressful times, people need Henri Nouwen's wisdom and encouragement more than ever. I invite you to partner with us in our timely work and outreach.  If you haven't done so already, please consider making a one-time, monthly, or legacy gift that will help us continue to touch lives and encourage hearts throughout 2021.

Thank you so much for your prayers and your financial support. 

Faithfully,

Karen Pascal

Executive Director
Henri Nouwen Society


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Nouwen Meditation: A Prayer

DAILY MEDITATION | NOVEMBER 30, 2020
A Prayer
Dear Lord,

Give me eyes to see and ears to hear. I know there is light in the darkness that makes everything new. I know there is new life in suffering that opens a new earth for me. I know there is a joy beyond sorrow that rejuvenates my heart. Yes, Lord, I know that you are, that you act, that you love, that you indeed are Light, Life, and Truth. People, work, plans, projects, ideas, meetings, buildings, paintings, music, and literature all can only give me real joy and peace when I can see and hear them as reflections of your presence, your glory, your kingdom.

Let me then see and hear. Let me be so taken by what you show me and by what you say to me that your vision and hearing become my guide in life and impart meaning to all my concerns.

Let me see and hear what is really real, and let me have the courage to keep unmasking the endless unrealities, which disturb my life every day. Now I see only in a mirror, but one day, O Lord, I hope to see you face to face.

Amen.
"He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them... Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage. It is I. Don't be afraid."

MARK 6:48, 50b (NIV)
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Sunday, November 29, 2020

A Reflection for the First Sunday in Advent

A Reflection for the First Sunday in Advent
I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength
and my might; he has become my salvation.
- Isaiah 12:2
Something Hardly Noticeable

A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him.  - Isaiah 11:1-2


These words from last night's liturgy have stayed with me during the day. Our salvation comes from something small, tender, and vulnerable, something hardly noticeable. God, who is the Creator of the Universe, comes to us in smallness, weakness, and hiddenness.

I find this a hopeful message. Somehow, I keep expecting loud and impressive events to convince me and others of God's saving power; but over and over again I am reminded that spectacles, power plays, and big events are the ways of the world. Our temptation is to be distracted by them and made blind to the "shoot that shall sprout from the stump."

When I have no eyes for the small signs of God's presence - the smile of a baby, the carefree play of children, the words of encouragement and gestures of love offered by friends - I will always remain tempted to despair.

The small child of Bethlehem, the unknown young man of Nazareth, the rejected preacher, the naked man on the cross, he asks for my full attention. The work of our salvation takes place in the midst of a world that continues to shout, scream, and overwhelm us with its claims and promises. But the promise is hidden in the shoot that sprouts from the stump, a shoot that hardly anyone notices.

 
 
Advent Online Book Discussion


Our online Advent Book discussion begins today with reflection and discussion of Henri Nouwen's "Life of the Beloved". Facilitated by Ray Glennon, you are welcome to participate in any way that is spiritually nourishing for you!

For more information and to join the discussion, go to
wp.henrinouwen.org





This week's Advent reflection is from iGracias! - A Latin American Journal (December 2, 1981), copyright © 1983 Henri J.M. Nouwen. Published by HarperCollins. Reprinted with publisher's kind permission. Photo Credit: Henri Nouwen by Frank Hamilton, used with kind permission.
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Henri Nouwen Society | 214 - 95 St. Joseph Street | Toronto | ON | M5S 2R9 | Canada