Reading: Conclusion ( p 116 to 118)
We are nearing the end of our Advent journey together and we want to express our deep gratitude to each of you for joining us along the way. Because of you and the words and spirit of Henri Nouwen, a beautiful community has gathered and grown in faith and understanding–the fruit of your participation in the discussion, both by posting comments and quietly reflecting in your heart.
In our reading this week Henri looks back on the spiritual imperatives with the perspective of eight years of “radical changes… (moving) through anguish to freedom, through depression to peace, through despair to hope” and he concludes, “I have heard the inner voice of love, deeper and stronger than ever.”
This week, in what for many are the hectic final days before we celebrate the birth of Jesus, you are invited to give yourself the gift of time to once again reflect on the spiritual imperatives that touched your heart during our time together. You might prayerfully consider the following questions:
- Were their any connections or common themes in the imperatives that touched your heart? If so, what were they and why are they important to you now?
- Why did these imperative touch you at this particular point in your life?
a) Was it a result of something happening now? If so, how does the imperative help your challenge you to grow? b) Or did you recall a personal experience from an earlier time? If so, can you see how you have grown as a result of that experience? - Have the imperatives that touched your heart helped you to hear the inner voice of love and how will you respond?
As always, you are invited share your responses and other reflections with the group to the degree you are comfortable.
Once again, we want to thank you for joining us and for enriching our Advent experience and book discussion. We wish you and yours a blessed and joyous Christmas season.
May the Lord give you peace.
Ray and Brynn
P.S. And we hope that many of you will join us for our Lenten book discussion beginning in mid-February. Be on the lookout for more information.