Friday, June 4, 2021

Nouwen Meditation: Celebrate in the Present

Now & Then Podcast

This week’s guest on Henri Nouwen, Now & Then is the original Nun-on-the-bus, Sister Simone Campbell. Author and activist, Sister Simone is a clear, compelling voice for hope and change.

DAILY MEDITATION | JUNE 4, 2021
Celebrate in the Present
Celebrating is first of all the full affirmation of our present condition. We say with full consciousness: we are, we are here, we are now, and let it be that way. We can only really celebrate when we are present in the present. If anything has become clear, it is that we have to a large extent lost the capability to live in the present. Many so-called celebrations are not much more than a painful moment between bothersome preparations and boring after-talks. We can only celebrate if there is something present that can be celebrated. We cannot celebrate Christmas when there is nothing new born here and now; we cannot celebrate Easter when no new life becomes visible; we cannot celebrate Pentecost when there is no Spirit whatsoever to celebrate. Celebration is the recognition that something is there and needs to be made visible so that we can all say yes to it.
But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said, "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

EPHESIANS 5:13,14 (NIV)
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