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 […]
1. Choose one of the five passages in the listening exercise. Find a quiet space and sit with the passage for 10-15 minutes. In the first three minutes, ask “what is being said in this passage?” In the next three minutes, ask yourself “what word or phrase stands out for me and what might […]
“Jesus taught us the whole movement of God’s love with bread”. Read the bread image on pg 103-104 and reflect on Jesus’ taking, blessing, breaking, giving of bread.
In light of what we have read, within what part of the “movement” of God’s love do you find yourself? Where do you wish to be? How […]
1. Jesus says to his disciples ‘All the glory I receive from the One who affirms me is available for you to receive as well’ (top of pg 96) Jesus came to offer us the same full communion with the Spirit-Father-Mother-Lover that he himself enjoys.
For many, this offer is hard to […]
1. From Listening, what are the images or insights that struck you while reading this chapter? What are these passages saying to you about your present life?
2. From the small quotes written in the margins throughout the book, share one from Part Two: “The Invisible Exile of Resentment” that impressed you.
1. On pages 71-73, Henri Nouwen talks about “the work to earn love ethic” that he once believed was a good ideal for life. he note that this image kept getting interrupted and torn to shreds. In your opinion, what is the difference between working to earn love (in primary relationships) and living these relationships […]
After reading this chapter, can you identify with the elder son in any way? If so, how? Complete the listening and journaling exercises and share any further insights that you had about the elder son in the painting.
Chapter 2: “The Younger Son”
1. Can you recall a time in your life when you wanted to “cut loose or do something other than what was considered to be decent or appropriate”? (p. 21) Did this desire lead you to a “leaving home experience? (Note: “leaving home” does not have to be a literal leaving.) Have […]
Suggestion: read the book with a journal or writing pad near by.
Save some time for quiet and reflection
1. What struck me about Henri Nouwen’s story of discovering L’Arche was that after the visit of Jan Rise and after the phone call with Jean Vanier, he had an inner feeling that “something important was […]
Prologue
1. On page xiv Henri Nouwen offers us this invitation: “I urge you not to walk into this story alone, just in your own name. Rather enter into the story in solidarity with all your brothers and sisters in the human family on earth”
In order to enter into this story well, Henri Nouwen […]