November 11 1996

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

On September 21 of this year, Henri J. Nouwen finished his earthly journey. Acknowledged as one of the world's great spiritual writers, the renowned Catholic theologian left behind a wealth of insights that have brought encouragement and ministered to thousands. Here, in memoriam, we publish excerpts from some of his works; sources appear at the beginning of each group.

The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey
I feel a tension within me. I have only a limited number of years left for active ministry. Why not use them well? Yet one word spoken with a pure heart is worth thousands spoken in a state of spiritual turmoil. Time given to inner renewal is never wasted. God is not in a hurry.

Jesus and Mary: Finding Our Sacred Center
I know that I have to move from speaking about Jesus to letting him speak within me, from thinking about Jesus to letting him think within me, from acting for and with Jesus to letting him act through me. I know the only way for me to see the world is to see it through his eyes.

Beyond the Mirror: Reflections on Death and Life
Books and articles have been important in my search for God, but it has been the interruptions to my everyday life that have most revealed to me the divine mystery of which I am a part. The great spiritual task facing me is to so fully trust that I belong to God that I can be free in the world—free to speak even when my words are not received; free to act even when my actions are criticized, ridiculed, or considered useless; free also to receive love from people and to be grateful for all the signs of God's presence in the world. I am convinced that I will truly be able to love the world when I fully believe that I am loved far beyond its boundaries.

Here and Now: Living ...