Reading: None.
Note: The complete reading schedule and instructions on how to submit and reply to comments may be found by clicking on the Reading Schedule link in the black navigation bar, located directly below the photo on the top of this page.
A very warm welcome to each of you. We’re so glad you’ve decided to join us for the Henri Nouwen Society (HNS) book discussion. This Lent we will journey together to read and reflect on one of Henri’s ten most read books In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership. For those of you who are returning, you know how incredible this experience is, and for those who are joining us for the first time you will soon discover its blessings.
Every time we gather for a book discussion a caring and spirit-filled community emerges as you share your reflections, insights, and responses to the comments of others; as moderator I’ll do my best to assist you in this creative process. This Lent we will be without the deft touch of Brynn Lawrence, our other regular moderator. She and husband Francisco are focusing their attention on their first child, baby Leo, who was born just before Christmas. Congratulations! Brynn will be rejoining us in the future.
Long-time participants may recall that we last read In the Name of Jesus for our Lent 2010 discussion. It is based on a talk that Henri gave shortly after becoming the pastor at L’Arche Daybreak, the place that became his true home. His simple, profound, and timeless message applies to each of us since we are all leaders in our own way. You will be blessed by your Lenten encounter with this book whether you are reading it for the first time or returning to savor it again.
Before we jump in, it is always helpful to provide some information on how this online discussion flows. Each Sunday, beginning on February 14th, you will discover a new “post,” indicated by the bold title, on the blog’s Home page. This post will have discussion questions based around the week’s readings. It works best if you always add any new comment to the newest post, even if you are referring to an earlier post. That way, everyone will see your comment. After you submit a comment, either Ray or William at the HNS need to “approve” it, so it may take a few hours before it actually appears on the blog page. As noted above, instructions on how to submit and reply to comments may be found by clicking on the Reading Schedule link If you have any further questions about how the blog works, please feel free to ask using the comment box or by sending an email to the address below.
After that long introduction, we would love to hear from you!
Over the next few days you are invited to introduce yourself to the group. You may choose to share:
a) Your general geographic location
b) To whom or what you dedicate your days and energy, and why
c) Whether or not you’ve participated in previous book discussions, or if you are joining us for the first time
d) Any hopes, aspirations, burdens, or special intentions that are with you this Lent
Enough from me. Now it’s your turn and we look forward to your introduction.
RAY GLENNON: Ray lives in Columbia, Maryland where actively volunteers in his parish Confirmation and adult faith formation programs and serves as a member of the pastoral council. He and his wife Dawn are also members of a Catholic charismatic community. Ray first became familiar with Henri’s work 30 years ago. He came to know and trust Henri’s written word in a special way in 2004 when he found The Return of the Prodigal Son for sale after Mass at the cathedral in Singapore at an important point in his life. Ray has joined in these discussions as a participant or moderator since 2010 and they have become an important part of his spiritual journey. If you have any questions for Ray, please contact him at ray.glennon@1972.usna.com and you can follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/@RayGlennon.