Reading: November 1 to January 12, pages 46 to 86
I filled my last museum notebook with (daily meditation) number 387. . .
Writing these reflections definitely strengthened my love for Jesus
and renewed my commitment to proclaim the unfathomable
mystery of God’s saving work. December 1, 1995, p. 60
The first week of Lent was indeed fruitful and filled with many wonderful and insightful comments and rich and affirming sharing among participants. A sincere thank you to all.
In reading Henri’s diary entries for this period surrounding the Christmas holiday, we get a sense of the frenetic pace of Henri’s life–even while on his writing sabbatical. Henri travels take him to Boston, Cancun, Mexico, Watertown, NY, Peapack, NJ, San Diego, New York City, Holland, and Germany. He is presenting workshops and talks, visiting with his many friends, and, perhaps most important, taking a vacation with his father in Germany and then celebrating his father’s 93rd birthday. Henri writes, “Thirty years ago the closeness that now exists between us was unthinkable.”
On December 1st Henri completed his manuscript for what became the Bread for the Journey – A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith. In this book Henri writes more directly than in many of his other works about Jesus as the center of our faith, about Word and Sacrament, and about the Church. In essence, while on his sabbatical and in what turned out to be the last year of his life, Henri wrote his final testament of faith and guide to living a spiritual life.
Continuing the approach suggested by Sr. Sue Mosteller, you are encourage to reflect with Henri, “on the meaning of a particular encounter, of the event in Scripture or the news, of the insights from a new book, or of the background shaping the concert or the artifact.” This process may help guide you.
- Select a few journal entries that stand out to you, and read them thoroughly, perhaps several times. In your careful reading and reflection, consider:
- The experience, thought, or concept that stands out to you
- How does it relates to your personal experience? Look at your experience with the benefit of Henri’s insight. Does that help you to see things differently or to know yourself better?
- What is God speaking to your heart through Henri’s experience and words? How have you been touched, inspired, challenged, and comforted on your spiritual journey.
- How you will respond? Carefully (prayerfully) consider how your heart responds to the insights you gained. Are there small steps you can take to incorporate these insights and to move toward spiritual freedom in your life? What changes will you make?
- Please share your reflection and insights with the group to the degree you are comfortable.
Finally, there were several entries that I found particularly meaty or challenging that I would call to your attention. I know I would personally be interested in your reflections and insights related to Henri’s ideas on any of the following topics: a) November 10th – Jesus and salvation; b) November 29th – Eternal death or hell; c) December 4th – A day well lived; d) December 24th – Where is God?; December 25th – Power and piety; January 6th – Henri and his father.
We have another rich week of sharing ahead of us and we look forward to hearing from many of you. And, of course, the items above are only a guide. We want to hear whatever touched your heart.
May the Lord give you peace.
Ray