Thursday, January 12, 2023

Nouwen Meditation: The “Ifs” That Enslave Me

Now & Then Podcast
In this week's episode of Henri Nouwen, Now & Then, we feature a lively discussion between Henri Nouwen and an audience of Christian leaders first recorded in 1983. Henri wrestles with challenging questions about what it means to be peacemakers in a world threatened by war and the use of nuclear weapons. Surprisingly timely and disarmingly intimate -- part three is a great listen!

DAILY MEDITATION | JANUARY 12, 2023
The “Ifs” That Enslave Me
As long as I keep running about asking “Do you love me? Do you really love me?” I give all power to the voices of the world and put myself in bondage because the world is filled with “ifs.” The world says: “Yes, I love you if you are good-looking, intelligent, and wealthy. I love you if you have a good education, a good job, and good connections. I love you if you produce much, sell much, and buy much.” There are endless “ifs” hidden in the world’s love. These “ifs” enslave me, since it is impossible to respond adequately to all of them. The world’s love is and always will be conditional. As long as I keep looking for my true self in the world of conditional love, I will remain “hooked” to the world—trying, failing, and trying again. It is a world that fosters addictions because what it offers cannot satisfy the deepest craving of my heart.
The woman said to [Jesus], "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."

JOHN 4:15 (NIV)
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