Epilogue, Conclusion and Wrap-Up
It has been a delight to facilitate the online discussion of Home Tonight with you all. I must admit when I first picked up the book, I thought it was going to be a ‘paraphrase’ of The Return of the Prodigal Son. It was much more than this I am so grateful that through the Henri Nouwen Society and our moderator Maureen, we were able to travel together through what appeared to be the dip of a valley (the son’s and exile of resentment) and then the steady gradual climb (stepping into the shoes of the Father) in this book.
Sharon, Liz, Rose, Deborah, Attila, Patty, Ed, Diane, Cheryl, you are all brilliant! Your thoughts and comments have made reading this book a refreshing and rich experience. To my beloved husband Norbert, it was a pleasure to journey with you and I know this book has made a difference in our lives.
I hope that you will all consider continuing our community reading and discussion after the week of May 25th, as I notice that the bulk of us are somewhere between Chapter Five and Seven. This week I will be away on retreat and Maureen will be facilitating for me and I do hope to join the group again next weekened upon my return.
For this last section, the epilogue, I am curious about two things:
1. What was your experience of our online discussion group? What are the advantages & disadvantages of a cyber-community?
2. If Henri Nouwen were alive and joining us for lunch next week, what would you say to him about Home Tonight: Further Reflections on the Parable of the Prodigal Son?
Take care and God Bless us all,
Kim Gottfried