Month: March 2018

“Is Jesus truly enough for you,or do you keep looking for others
to give you your sense of worth?” (p222)

Reading:  Epilogue

Dear All,

This has been another wonderful book discussion, and we are truly grateful for all who have journeyed with us actively or silently.

This final week is an opportunity to reflect on the book as a whole, and an invitation to articulate your “take aways.”  The epilogue itself provides much to reflect upon, and it may help you to frame some of your take-aways from the book.

As we approach Good Friday and Easter Sunday we also welcome you to share what God is speaking to your heart as we remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

With much gratitude,

Ray and Brynn

“Listening to Jesus together  is a very powerful way to grow closer to each other and reach a level of intimacy that no interpersonal exchange of words can bring about.” (p189)

Reading:  Sections 20 to 23, Road to Daybreak

These last four sections capture some of Henri’s experiences during a six-week trip around the world to visit with friends and family.  There are a lot of diverse experiences here, so feel free to share about whatever stood out to you / spoke to you.

1_ Henri writes “Oh, how important is discipline, community, prayer, silence, caring presence, simple listening, adoration, and deep, lasting faithful friendship.  We all want it so much, and still the powers suggesting that all of that is fantasy are enormous.  But we have to replace the battle for power with the battle to create space for the spirit” (p184).  It is probably safe to say that the temptation to battle for power comes up for every one of us who has committed to a long-term relationship (marriage, community etc).  
a) In what ways do you see the battle for power being expressed in your own words and actions day by day?
b) What are some practical ways we can choose to “battle to create space for the spirit” in our relationships instead?

2_ Towards the end of the book Henri becomes “increasingly aware of how important it is to enjoy what is given and to fully live where one is… to become present to where I am, always growing deeper in the spirit of gratitude” (p208).
a) You are invited to recognize and express your gratitude for the people and places where each of you finds yourself right now.  You might even choose to share something each day that you choose to enjoy/are grateful for.
b) How does question number two relate to question number one?

We look forward to another rich week of sharing.  Many thanks again to each of you who have been on this Lenten journey together.  Be sure to come back next week for a week of “conclusions.”

Sincerely,

Ray and Brynn

“Jesus came to open my ears to another voice that says, ‘I am your God, I have molded you with my own hands, and I love what I have made.  I love you with a love that has no limits, because I love you as I am loved.  Do not run away from me'”  (p157).

Reading:  Sections 16 to 19, Road to Daybreak

Thank you to each of you – this continues to be a tender and caring group of people, calling each other to draw deeper into the heart of Jesus.  The reading for this week gives us many more opportunities to share, reflect and grow.

1_Henri shares his reflection on how many of us love Jesus, but at the same time have fears about what it will cost to follow Him fully.  Henri is very honest with his list of “I love Jesus, but…” (p147).
a) You are invited to reflect on your own list of fears that hold you back from fully surrendering to Jesus.  You might choose to share some of them:  “I love Jesus, but…”

2_ The story of Jesus calling Mary of Magdala by name touches Henri deeply (John 20:16).  “Jesus knows Mary of Magdala…He knows every part of her heart” (p165).  The realization that “the one who truly knows her truly loves her” speaks to a deep fear of his.  He elaborates Mary’s response: “You who know me so fully, come and be my master.  I do not want to keep you away from any part of myself.  I want you to touch the deepest places of my heart so that I won’t belong to anyone but you” (p165).
a) What is it like to be fully known and fully loved by the Creator of the Universe?
b) Does your heart have the same response as Mary’s?

3_ Henri writes about the miracle of multiplication of fish and bread (John 6:5-9).  This miracle happened when someone rather small gave something rather small to Jesus.  Henri sees the same miracle happening every day in L’Arche.  He concludes “the miracle of the multiplication of bread continues.  It is just a question of having an eye for it” (p171).
a) Have you seen a miracle of multiplication in your life, or around you?  Please share.
b) What “small thing” do you have the opportunity to give to Jesus today, so that He can multiply it?

As always, please do not feel bound by these questions.  There is so much in this section to reflect upon!

Yours sincerely,

Ray and Brynn