I am reading “Creative Ministry” right now, Nouwen’s second book published during his 2 years at Notre Dame. Go to the drop down menu under Notre Dame Years and click on “Creative Ministry” to follow or comment on this book.
“Many, many people consider Henri Nouwen their favorite spiritual author, and few writers of spiritual boks have so any enthusiastic readers.” So begins the thoughful and moving biography of Henri Nouwen by Michael O’Laughlin, Henri Nouwen: His life and vision. I am certainly one of those people who has been influenced by the simple but profound writings of this man of God. In his books, Henri Nouwen describes his journey with God in the context of every day life – the struggles and disapointments, hopes and dreams that we all share. He taught at Notre Dame, Harvard, and Yale, and spent years in Latin America and Canada with the poor. From Ivy League schools to the grubby streets of pain and poverty this man describes a journey with God that is genuine, inspiring, heartbreaking, and challenging. This year I am going to read through all of the books Henri Nouwen published in his lifetime in the order they were written. In that way, I can understand his journey in the context of his life. I will blog comments on the content of the books and my own personal journey in response to the books. For me, this is not primarily an academic exercise; it is a spiritual journey. I hope through this year to become more like Jesus in my everyday life.
I Invite you to join me, for one comment, one book, or an entire year. I would especially enjoy hearing comments about your on spiritual journey in response to the readings. It is my hope that many people will join this journey and together we will learn from each other – with Henri Nouwen as our guide. Happy New Year and may God richly bless you in your journey to become more like Christ.
