Nov 27th to Nov 30th: Welcome and Introductions

Reading: Forward by Richard Rohr, OFM and Editor’s Note by Gabrielle Earnshaw

As much as I knew that Henri Nouwen was a spiritual writer, in real life he was spiritual seeker and believer—always filled with the desire for
more wisdom and for more capacity to love.
Richard Rohr, OFM from the Forward

A warm welcome to each of you—friends returning and people joining us for the first
time—as we gather at this “most wonderful time of the year” for a special book discussion. This Advent we have the rare opportunity to read and discuss a never-before published work by Henri Nouwen shortly after its release. 

Following Jesus – Finding Our Way Home in an Age of Anxiety is based on a series of six talks that Henri gave during Lent 1985 to an ecumenical community gathered in the basement of St. Paul’s Church near Harvard University where he was teaching.  This was an anxious time in Henri’s life as he was unhappy at Harvard and seeking a new direction. Four short months after giving these talks, Henri resigned from Harvard and joined the L’Arche community where over time he found the home he had been searching for.

Deftly transcribed and faithfully edited by Nouwen archivist and scholar Gabrielle Earnshaw, Following Jesus is Nouwen’s personal testimony about how to live a spiritual life. Through Scripture and his keen understanding of human nature and our woundedness, Nouwen gently guides us to follow Jesus in our anxious times by taking the six steps we will explore in the coming weeks.  As we journey toward Christmas together, perhaps we will come to understand, as Henri did, that “(Following Jesus is) to live fully in the present, because God is always the God of now, of here. The day in which we live is the day of the Lord.”

Let’s briefly describe how our online book discussion works. If you’ve joined us before, this will serve as a review.

Beginning on December 1st and each Sunday during Advent, a new entry or post will be added to the book discussion (the blog) home page.  By clicking on the Home link in the black bar under the photograph at the top of the blog you will know you are in the current week. You can then click on the bold title to open the post and any comments. The title of post will include the dates and topics for the week ahead. The post will present a brief moderator’s reflection and suggest some questions for discussion. Participants are encouraged to comment on the post, by responding to the suggested questions, by sharing their own reflections, or by replying to the comments of others.

To read the comments or to leave a comment of your own,  scroll down to the bottom of the post.  If you don’t see any comments, click on the small link at the bottom that says
## Comments.  To leave a new comment, continue scrolling down and use the “Leave a Reply” box.  To reply to someone else’s comment, click the Reply link directly below their comment and complete the box.  After you submit a new comment or a reply, I as moderator or Will at the Nouwen Society need to “approve” it, so it may take a few hours before it actually appears on the blog page. The instructions on how to submit and reply to comments are also included at the bottom of the Reading Schedule (follow link in the black bar above). If you have any questions about the blog, please don’t hesitate to ask either by submitting a comment or sending me an email at the address in my bio below.

As we begin our journey together, it’s always nice to learn a little bit about each of you. Over the next few days you are encouraged to introduce yourself. You may choose to share:

  • Your general geographic location
  • To whom or what you dedicate your days or energy, and why
  • How you came to “know/read” Henri Nouwen and whether or not you participated in a previous discussion.
  • What you hope to experience during this discussion
  • Any insights, thoughts, or questions that arose as you read the Forward by Richard Rohr and Gabrielle Earnshaw’s Editor’s Note.

Welcome to each of you and I look forward to your introductions!

We begin Following Jesus in earnest this Sunday, December 1st.  Join us.

In gratitude,
Ray

RAY GLENNON: Ray came to know and trust Henri’s written word in a special way in 2004 when he discovered Nouwen’s The Return of the Prodigal Son for sale after Mass at the cathedral in Singapore at an important point in his life. He began participating in Henri Nouwen Society book discussions in 2010 and has served as a moderator since 2014. He recently led a six-week adult education course on “Henri Nouwen and A Spirituality of Living.” Ray volunteers in his parish Confirmation program and other ministries. He and his wife are candidates in the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS). You may contact Ray by email at ray.glennon@1972.usna.com and you can follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/@RayGlennon.

47 Replies to “Nov 27th to Nov 30th: Welcome and Introductions”

  1. Just today joining in this discussion. I have participated several times before here with Henri and have been enriched. The foreword by Rohr reminds me how we bless one another by our sharing. He surely was blessed by conversation with Merton and Likewise Merton was blessed by Henri. In this big metropolis called the “big Apple” we are often crammed elbow to elbow on transit, hoping that the commute will go smoothly. Just yesterday while riding subway, I saw almost every head pointed down to a device. Only one person was reading a book and another was sleeping. Though packed in like sardines we can be in our own little world, oblivious of surroundings. Following Christ in the hustle and bustle requires a slower pace, a broader view, and some kind of encounter. May we hear and see what Isaiah promises as we reflect here and now.

  2. Hi everyone my name is Jacqueline ( Jacky) Lowe and I have been reading Henri Nouwen for many years I just love his books. At the moment I live in Madagascar working with the Anglican community at a center for women in Toliara, Southern Madagascar.
    I am a retired school teacher and my home is in Pembroke Pines S. Florida, where my children and grandchildren live. I was born in England and left when I was 28 to teach in Jamaica.
    This is my first book discussion and I am excited. i know we are supposed to live with God in the moment but I find that hard to do, so I am hoping to learn from this book and all of your comments.

  3. I have been reading Nouwen for many years and have found his work to enrich my understanding in many ways. I have enjoyed following and participating in previous conversations hosted here and look forward to new insights during this Advent. I will be following from Oklahoma, (where the wind comes “sweeping down the plain”) where I am a retired college professor and administrator, wife to Jane for 48 years, and father to three sons, and grandpa to seven wonderful grandkids! God is good!

  4. Hello, this is Sharon from Minnesota. This is my first book discussion. I love all Henri Nouwen books, he is an author who is both simple and yet very deep. I look forward to reading the book and everyone’s reflections.

  5. I am following from central Ohio and I work with children in K-2 who have mild to moderate learning needs. It is my second career after staying home with my children for 12 years. I do not remember how I first discovered Henri’s writing but know his voice struck a chord and I dive deep into his books. I’ve participated in Online Advent studies with Jan Richardson and also Beth Richardson (not related). Both have given me an appreciation for contemplation and silence. I look forward to what Henri’s work has for me this Advent and learning what others discover as well.

  6. Hi, I am a 69 yr old grandmother currently living on Long Island with my son, daughter in law, seven yr old grandson, and 19 month old grandaughter.
    I first became introduced to Henri Nouwen after going through a horrendous time of depression and divorce. A Quaker family I worked with at a rural clinic in Alaska gave me The Inner Voice of Love. It literlly saved my life.
    I am looking forward to this reading and sharing with others.

  7. Hello from western NY, about 45 minutes south of the Abbey of the Genesee, where Nouwen wrote two of his books and spent a great deal of time! My name is Michael, and I serve as the Dean of the Chapel at Houghton College, a small college affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. I intended to participate during Lent but managed to back-burner my participation, but am looking forward to jumping in with both feet here. I made a goal to finish the rest of Nouwen’s books in 2019 (the ones I had not read), and it will be cutting it close, but glad to read this one in community with you all.

  8. It is so good to be a part of this group and discussing, as Richard Rohr stated, the wisdom and the authenticity of Henri Nouwen. I live in Thornton Colorado and a retired nurse. I have been a follower of Henri’s spiritual wisdom and authenticity for many years. For me, Richard Rohr’s comment, on Nouwen’s primary gifts: “human vulnerability and the healing power that he gained from such rugged honesty,” is a path that I have realized brings one into the quiet of contemplation. Vulnerability, for me, gives me courage to look deep and then and be open to the truth of who I am! I am so glad to be reading this book with each of you!

  9. Hello from London, England. I am mother to two grown sons. I work for a health charity, and also worked as a volunteer counsellor for few years at a mental health charity after I qualified some 6+ years ago. Along my spiritual journey I picked up”The Road to Daybreak” couple of decades ago. Later a friend loaned me cassette tapes (yes!) of Return of the Prodigal; I nearly wore out the tapes as I listened over and over. Most everything he says deeply resonates, he articulates much better than I could express the depths within. This is my first time participating here. Waiting for the book to arrive but in meantime Amazon lets you read first few pages while you wait. Am really glad to join. Loved the Nouwen quote on “True gratitude….”

  10. I’ve been thinking about Richard Rohr’s observation, “Maybe we could say that Henri invited the human shadow into the entire conversation of spirituality.”

    My experience has been that though my faith has been tested in the shadows, it is there that it can grow stronger. In times of darkness I must trust that the light of God’s love is with me even though I cannot see it. Faith comes with uncertainty. It involves believing that there is “light at the end of the tunnel.” To find that light I must keep moving toward that which I cannot see.

    Perhaps Henri Nouwen’s stubborn search for the light is what draws me to his writing.

  11. Hello from southeast Arkansas! I started participating in these Advent and Lenten 8 years or so ago, sometimes by writing comments and sometimes just quietly reading the comments to absorb what God was asking me to take away from the discussion. By participating either way I can say Henri’s books have grown me spiritually over the years. This book title has intrigued me from the start! I know from past studies I will be able to take away much food for thought throughout the coming days of reading and discussing what each person will add to Henri’s insights on the subject. May each of you have a happy Advent season!

  12. Hi There. I am Liliana and today is my 72nd birthday! I am so happy to be part of this group. I love Nouwen and his writings inspire me every day. My favorite of course is The Return of The Prodigal Son and my dream is to one day travel to St Petersburg to see the original work of art. I look forward to a great discussion on this book. I am a mom, grandmother and now finishing up my first full length novel. Here we go!

  13. Hi everyone, my name is Natasha and I live in the UAE, spend a lot of time for work in the UK, but come from Australia originally. This is my first time participating and I learnt about it from a post I saw on Instagram. I first read the Return of the Prodigal Son many years ago and it touched me so much that I went on to buy many more of Henri’s books. As others have said, I too find him so authentic and honest about life and our spiritual journey so I am very excited to join you all this year for Advent.
    God bless you all today.

  14. I am a retired social work professor and prior to this worked in a variety of position all over our province of Alberta in Canada. I have been married to the same woman for 55 years and love her more now than ever before. Since my retirement last year at the age of 78, I have been on a quest to deepen my spirituality and get closer to God, more loving with my children, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and those around me.. I first began to know about Henri by listening to his audio tapes as I drove around this province. I always wanted to know him better after listening to him about wounded helpers.

  15. Hi my name is Carolyn. I’m in Southern California. I became aware of Henri Nouwen by reading The Return of the prodigal. I have not participated in an online discussion before but I’m looking forward to this Advent study.

  16. I am a Protestant physical therapist from Northern California who loves these book clubs/contemplative studies featuring Henry’s books! Over the years, sometimes I feel like I “am” Henri while reading his books and sensing the desperation of his need for God’s love. None of us has been loved properly on this earth. Henri can get me in touch with God’s love like none other. I also enjoy that people of all different political persuasions are attracted to him. Somehow that makes him seem more Christlike to me without any but God’s agenda to promote. Thank you God for speaking through your servant Henri Nouwen.

  17. I was excited to find Following Jesus in my mailbox after lunch today, as I feel eager to read it, reflect on it and listen to the discussion. I’ve read many of Henri’s books and participated in a number of these on-line book discussions before, sometimes posting my comments and other times just reading what others write.
    My husband and I both enjoy being retired and we continue to live creatively in the small western Canadian town where we settled and raised our children decades ago. Not only do we appreciate learning to know this place more deeply, but we also value the interconnections of life here.
    I am drawn to Gabrielle’s words on page 136: “Ask..whether the issues Nouwen brings up connect with your own experience. If so, how?…[Nouwen] seeks to be a channel for your own self-discovery.”

  18. Hello to everyone from Vancouver Island, Canada. My name is Rae and I belong to the L’Arche Comox Valley community, a member of L’Arche for twenty years now. Over these years I have found much richness from Henri’s writings plus sharing time with L’Arche people who lived and knew Henri.
    I have followed many of the book discussions as a silent partner. This Advent maybe that will change as we share ‘Following Jesus’ together. Looking forward to the seeing how Henri’s words connect with my own experiences and unfolds a little more of my own self-discovery.
    I look forward to this ‘sacred time’ together as we journey through Advent.
    Rae

  19. I’m from southeastern Louisiana (New Orleans) and have been a fan of Henri Nouwen’s for many years. The first, or one of the first , that I read from him was his account of driving down from Kansas to Alabama in March 1965 to participate in the Selma-Montgomery march. Then was blown away reading The Return of the Prodigal Son.

  20. Warm greetings to all on this journey to follow Jesus. I was given Henri’s “The Living Reminder” when I began a pastoral call near Boston MA in 1999. Henri became a guide who took my hand grounding and growoing my intimacy with God. Continuing my studies, I came to Louisville KY in 2008 to integrate spirituality with psychology knowing it’s power for healing. Here, I returned to my first vocation as a licensed psychotherapist. These interior movements beckoned me deeper as I became a Spiritual Director and a novice Oblate in the Benedictine tradition. I began participating in the Henri Nouwen Society Book Discussions in 2015. Henri’s “spiritual curiosity” and longing “for in-depth relationships” (Rohr: Forward “Following Jesus”), is also mine.

  21. Hello, I am Greta, a wife, mother, clinical psychologist and seminary student in Tennessee. I was first introduced to Henri Nouwen through his book “Life of the Beloved” several years ago. I learned about this new book and the Advent study when I was searching for a discussion guide to lead a small group through “The Return of the Prodigal Son” at my home church. This is my first time to participate. I certainly hope it won’t be my last 🙂 I am so excited about this study and about the book, which seems to have come at just the right time, for me and for many. Like Rohr, I am drawn to Henri’s ability to write so poignantly and transparently about human experience and spiritual struggles. He speaks to my heart. This Advent, I am hoping to follow Jesus more closely, and find peace.

  22. Friends,
    We’re nearing the end of Thanksgiving Day here on the east coast of the U.S. I’m currently in Westchester County, just north of New York City visiting my wife’s family for the holiday.

    We have a wonderful group gathering to discuss Following Jesus. It’s great to welcome back so many regular participants. I’m grateful to those of you who introduced yourselves as people who have followed along silently in the past. I especially want to welcome those who are joining us for the first time. I’m confident that you will find our journey together to be illuminating and rewarding.

    Thanksgiving Day is the ideal time to recall that for Henri Nouwen a spiritual life was a grateful life. Reflecting on Thomas Merton’s 1958 revelation at the corner of 4th and Walnut in Louisville (after which Merton wrote: “I loved all those people… There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun.”), Henri wrote in a letter, this was “an experience that led him (Merton) to true gratitude. (The most religious emotion!)”

    Henri understood gratitude this way: “True spiritual gratitude embraces all of our past, the good as well as the bad events, the joyful as well as the sorrowful moments. From the place where we stand, everything that took place brought us to this place, and we want to remember all of it as a part of God’s guidance. That doesn’t mean that all that happened in the past was good, but it does mean that even the bad didn’t happen outside the loving presence of God. Our guilt becomes a happy guilt and our shame a happy shame because they have brought us to a deeper recognition of God’s mercy and guidance.”

    You may know that Henri died unexpectedly in 1996 while in Holland en route to St. Petersburg to film a documentary on the painting The Return of the Prodigal Son. While in the hospital after suffering a heart attack he was visited by his good friend Nathan Ball. It seemed as if Henri was recovering. Henri said to Nathan as he was leaving for the evening, “I think I’m going to be OK, but you never know. So if I die, just tell everybody that I am grateful, that I’m enormously grateful. Make sure you tell everybody that!” Those are Henri’s last known words. Henri suffered a fatal second heart attack that night.

    Everything we have is a gift from God. May we all live our lives in gratitude.
    Happy Thanksgiving.

    Ray

  23. I first read Henri after seeing that “The Return of the Prodigal Son” was Hillary Clinton’s favorite book. I have read it many times and given it as a gift on many occasions. Participating in this discussion forum has become a highly valued part of my Advent preparation. It forces me to answer the question, “How do I know what I think unless I write it?” and also broadens my understanding by discovering how others think as well. I am a “VETERAN,” veteran teacher in a small, rural school in northeast Arkansas and have two grown daughter and five grandchildren. I am anxious to learn from Henri and from each of you.

  24. Hello, I have participated in a few of the discussions here, some actively and some following along quietly. The first book that I read of Henri’s was Life of the Beloved. I still return to it from time to time for the wisdom encapsulated in its pages.

    I think what draws me most to Henri’s writing is his authenticity. In her Editor’s note, Gabrielle Earnshaw wrote, “These talks—about how to live in anxious times—are so vibrant with energy because the topic was not theoretical to Henri Nouwen; it was his reality.” I am looking forward to reading his thoughts on a topic still so relevant today.

    Like Catalina, I reside in Northwest Arkansas, though I’m up the highway from Fayetteville in Bentonville.

    I feel this is the right place at the right time for me and I am happily anticipating reading and learning from this book with the others here.

    1. Christine –my daughter lives in Fayetteville –she began the Little Free Pantry at her local church and has been involved in that work since. I have been to Crystal Bridges several times and love the area. I live in a small place in northeast Arkansas called “Weiner” –yes… Weiner.

      1. Patricia and Catalina,
        Small world, indeed. It’s been over 30 years ago, but I lived in Jonesboro for about a year and worked at Head Start there. I remember Weiner as a very small town at the time with rice its main commodity. I grew up and lived for 40+ years in California, but moved to Bentonville after I retired from the corporate world as my son and his family live here.

        Like Henri Nouwen, finding home was important to me, and I think I found it here.

        Looking forward for some good conversations about “Following Jesus” with neighbors, near and far.

  25. Hello, my name is Melanie and I live on Vancouver Island. I am so grateful for the advent book group and look forward to reading Henri’s book. I was introduced to Henri around ten years ago from a friend at church and have considered him one of my greatest teachers since reading the Prodigal Son. I teach early primary at our public school and am eager to hear Henri’s words on anxiety – things have really changed in the schools it seems to me; I prepare for my days with early morning contemplation and yoga. This really helps me to bring my best heart for my work community. I am happy to be joining you every morning through Lent!

  26. I’m Pat, a retired high school librarian in central Illinois who has participated in two or three of these discussion groups. Expressing my thoughts in written form for others to read is difficult for me, so I have been hesitant to purchase “Following Jesus” and join in this time around. I introduce myself thinking that I may just lurk here for a while and expecting to be energized by this Advent adventure.

  27. Hi everyone! I‘m Janet from Kentucky. I am a psychologist, professor, new clergy, as well as a wife of 25 years and a mom of two adult sons. Henri Nouwen became one of my spiritual fathers – through his writings – while I was in seminary. This is my first book discussion. As I read Rohr’s forward, I was reminded of some of what drew me to Nouwen so long ago. I so appreciate authentic and deep sharing, particularly in spiritual friendships, in which we help one another follow Jesus more closely. I’m looking forward to getting to know you all better.

  28. Hello…my name is Beth. I live in North Bay Ontario Canada. This is my second book discussion group. It will be fun to be listening to folks from near and far. Fortunately the book was easily available through our local bookstore.

  29. I’m Katherine from Winnipeg – smack dab in the middle of Canada – or at least that’s what we say. I am new to this forum as well and am looking forward to the book and the conversations. I am fortunate to live on a street with a L’Arche community just a few houses down. I appreciated what Andrew said – time to re-focus.

  30. Hello from Fran on Cape Cod.
    I’m a Quaker that practices Zen and works for the U. S. Geological Survey.
    This is my first time reading a Nouwen book. I find the dark months a fertile time, spiritually, and I am hoping to discover passages that are the seeds of new growth.

  31. Greetings to everyone.
    I am in a bit of a rush as grandkids are in the background and we will soon be leaving our one-week vacation with family in the snowy Rocky Mountains.

    My name is Barry Sullivan and I have participated in one previous discussion group with Ray. My wife and I are mostly retired educators, though I sill engage as a part-time adjunct professor at a college in Minnesota.

    I have been reading Henri Nouwen for many years, after a college history professor and friend at a Baptist school in Minnesota praised his work. Interestingly, as others have noted before, Henri (a Catholic priest) was and still is quite popular among Protestant academic types.

    Key take-aways in the readings this week. From Richard Rohr’s introduction: “Henri Nouwen’s primary gifts [were] human vulnerability and the healing power that he gained from such rugged honesty…Henri surely ‘confessed’ his sins and failures to those close to him—but only after he had first felt their sting, their texture, their truth, and their always available wisdom. These honest acknowledgments seemed to lead him to compassion for others” (pp. 9-10).
    Important advice From Gabrielle Earnshaw’s note: “…ask instead whether the issues Nouwen brings up connect with your own experience. If so, how?” (p. 136)

    I look forward to our discussions in future days!
    Barry

  32. Hello all
    Looking forward to joining this worldwide community from here in Derbyshire in the U.K. I’ve taken part in quite a few of these discussions now, though I sometimes struggle to keep up with the schedule! I thought I’d start early this year to give myself a head start! As I read more of Henri Nouwen, and hear his voice in the passages, the more I believe he has something to offer our very broken, divided society. Peace and blessings to all for the forthcoming season.

  33. I’ve been participating in this blog for quite a few years – missed the last couple. I live in Lacombe, Alberta Canada. I devote my time to my job as Clinical Nurse Educator for Senior’s health nurses and Health Care Aides. I assist my elderly mother who lives nearby and I enjoy our little rescued dog who is a Westie Poodle cross. I play in a jazz band – keyboard and as a church musician when I’m feeling well.

    I first read Henri Nouwen’s Reaching Out in College – 30 some years ago. I’ve also started reading Richard Rohr who wrote the Intro.

    Looking forward to hearing your insights!

  34. My name is Catalina. I’m joining in from Fayetteville, AR. I work as an interpreter and a spiritual director. My time is occupied by my husband our son and the family dog as well.
    Hoping for an Advent filled with spiritual gratefulness rather than being drawn to the materialistic hustle of the season.
    Looking forward to participating and also reading on the participants commentaries.

  35. A frequent reader/follower of these Nouwen Advent/Lent book discussion; less so in sharing my thoughts. Unable to join for Lent 2019, I found myself quite excited to start anew with all of you, looking forward to the transformations which we will share. Henri has a way of drawing out our personal insights. Sounds like an exciting topic. I am retired and have spent the last 20 years in Arizona; summers in New Hampshire. Starting this year we are in NH year round. Started reading already; not sure I can put this down so I may read it all before we start. Looking forward to sharing Advent community with all of you.

  36. Hello! My name is Ana, from Monterrey Mexico. I’m new to this group, and excited to join this discussion.

  37. Good Morning, I am a follower on Facebook and found this announcement. I am new to this group so I look forward to joining you all in this book Discussion. I will be listening to the book on Audible — it’s a great way to get through my commute. Happy Thanksgiving. Rev. Sandy

  38. Once again I have left ordering the book to the last minute, but it should arrive tomorrow. I have participated in 4 other Advent discussions. I enjoy reading Henri, reading everyone’s comments, and occasionally adding my own. I hunger for the deeper thought and reflection that seems to be so often missing from my personal devotion and church community. Time to re-focus!

  39. My name is Nanci. I live near Austin Texas. I am a mom and a movement/ Pilates teacher. I am currently reconstructing my faith. I have always been drawn to the contemplative forms of faith and loved Henri Nouwen so i look forward to discussing this book. I
    What stood out to me in the forward and introduction was the idea of God being home. I have always focused on behavior and “living rightly “. I was so hard on myself for not meeting a standard i couldn’t rest and enjoy God. I hope this moves me forward in my union with God.

  40. From Elaine M
    Each Advent and Lent for the past few years I have eagerly awaited each new discussion of one of Henri’s books. Given that we indeed live in an age of anxiety, I am most eager to delve into this book and explore with all of you the ways in which we might find peace and become peace in our world. Thanks, Ray, for serving as moderator once again.

  41. From windy central IL…..once again, looking forward to “Following Jesus” with online faith community! Made me smile when I read Rohr’s comment…”I would often try to get free spiritual direction out of him (Henri)…..Only a few minutes into it, I’d realize that he never really answered my questions……never sure if it was humility…some kind of unconscious need for reciprocity…..concluded that it was a totally sincere spiritual search….he valued my insights as much as his own.” Searchingly.

    1. I have been thinking about spiritual direction for some time so I too smiled when I read Richard Rohr’s comment about free spiritual direction, Marge. For what am I searching? What am I expecting? Insight? More insight?

Leave a Reply to Natasha Ridge Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *