Discussion 2.1 (July 13-15) Importance of the word?
Henri asks, “How does God come to me as I listen to the word?” Do you feel God’s presence as you read sacred texts or spiritual messages such as Henri’s books? Or do your catch yourself feeling it lacks an ability to move you because you’ve heard it all before? Discuss by clicking on the Comment link below.
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May 27th, 2010 @ 11:17 pm
Hi Everyone,
I am blessed to find a site devoted to coming together to share and grow in Christ, with the help of Nouwen’s meditative and reflective guides.
Like many of you, I find myself “zoning out” when I hear the word of God at mass unless the priest is really passionate about his sermon that it comes back to me or that if I can relate to the Word if it is something that has been discussed in our weekly bible studies.
Nouwen’s books speak to me. I have finished Here and Now but I find myself rereading different pages especially the ones that make me remember God’s love in a particular situation. I was rereading his writing about “relationships” when I was having a tough time with dealing with myself, husband and friends. I also read this back when I found myself getting too negative at work. I find Henri’s words communicating God’s word and love to me. And what I find extraordinary is that Henri makes me remember always that it is not about him or his writings but it is God working through him to get to me and all of us. And that like him, we can and are able to connect with God in a very personal way.
Love,
Donna
August 24th, 2008 @ 6:59 pm
Hello all,
I am a woman, 52yrs. I grew up in a military and protestant household. I am from the south, have a philosophical problem with this kind of communication, but, as my children have told me, “you can fight it all you want, it is the future, so you better learn how to use it. I have, but just as Henri did, I still handwrite everything and speak face to face as often as possible.
I am to teach (mentor, I hate the word teach) the book ” Here and Now” beginning in 2 weeks. I am ok but any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Best to all, Ann
July 21st, 2007 @ 8:22 am
Yesterday’s meditation struck me as if I had never heard it before. “…the good neighbor is the one who crosses the road for me…” In Henri’s terms, neighbor is one that goes the distance, recognizes the Beloved in others, is an “open space.” A neighbor needs to be valued as one with ourselves. I have a mezzuzah on the entry to my home, which contains a scroll with the commandment to love my neighbor as myself. Until yesterday, I thought I understood it, but realize I still have much to learn, much to accept. I am grateful for the insight.
July 20th, 2007 @ 8:24 pm
Diane,
Your Ash Wednesday hearing of the Word, rang a bell with me. For many years I taught religion, had extensive knowledge, and celebrated many Liturgies. My mind was filled with the Word but my heart was elsewhere. Someone once said that we have only about 14 inches between our head and our heart. But that short distance can be a long trip in our faith journey.
I thank God for the movement of the Holy Spirit in my life in recent yers. I am more open, which means not so hard-hearted, and more teachable. The Gospels are truly enriching my faith. As Henri said, “…we are made with a heart that can be satisfied only by the ONE who made it.”
July 18th, 2007 @ 9:07 am
Good morning all:
I love how we can come together as a community of believers despite the fact that we may be in different place on our journey! Bruce, I spent so many years being a part of group bible discussions-in fact I led many of these groups. I remember well the insights and encouragement I received there. My journey lately however has taken me away from those group settings and into a place of quiet reflection with God and His Word, much like what Sharon described in her post.
I had an experience not too long ago that I want to share. It was Ash Wednesday and, after many years of distancing myself from the ‘traditions’ of my catholic roots, I felt a strong calling to attend service and receive ashes. At that point in my life, I was finding myself questioning a lot of what I had read and taught and studied so diligently in the bible all those years. I was very conflicted and confused about ‘doctrine’ mostly. So…off I went, prompted I believe by the Holy Spirit, to Ash Wednesday service. As most of you know, when the priest places the ashes on your forehead he says something along the lines of “from dust you were formed and to dust you shall return”. This particular service was jam-packed and the priest called for the lay ministers in the church to come help with the distribution of the ashes. I found myself in line and approaching one of those ministers.
I will never forget what happened next: When it was my turn she looked me right in the eye and said “repent and believe the gospel”. I thought at the time, “that’s odd, why didn’t she say what she was supposed to say?” I have to laugh as I think of this because obviously she said exactly what I needed to hear! God speaks to us in so many ways! I have been reading the gospels regularly ever since that moment and I am drawing closer to Jesus than I ever was when I was leading those bible studies.
Be blessed
Diane
July 16th, 2007 @ 4:34 pm
I agree with you Patty! I like that Aha! moment and I have found it’s good to just stop in my tracks mentally and reflect for awhile when that happens. I have to admit I wait for it to happen, and rarely am I disappointed if I allow myself to be undistracted and calm.
July 16th, 2007 @ 10:00 am
I find that with this book, scripture or any of his books, when I am ready to be quiet and pray for guidance by the Holy Spirit, I read a part and something really strikes as an “Ahah!’ moment. I can read no further and I cannot focus. To me I have gotten the message for that time and I pray on it.
I think that is the Spirit’s way of saying to me that the goal is not to get through it, but to hear HIM. This is my third time reading this book and still I get something new each time I open it.
July 16th, 2007 @ 5:25 am
Now I have to confess to being envious Bruce!
How I would love to have that opportunity of group led Bible Study. The nearest I can get is going to the Daily Readings here,
http://www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
and dwelling on the Reflections provided.They are very helpful.
July 15th, 2007 @ 3:21 pm
I find when in a quiet place, opening up to the Holy Spirit who will stir up in me a desire to not only read but let the Word teach me is the way for me. I use a journal and write down the lne or words which jump out at me. I use a commentary like Magnificat or the Word Among Us to enrich the meaning.
July 15th, 2007 @ 12:06 pm
I am struck by how inspired and spiritual your thoughts are. I really appreciate the opportunity to learn from you. This leads be to respond to the question:
I find that I get the most from the Bible when I’m with others, especially our small group of 12 or so in our Men’s Bible Study. We read and try to connect the passages to our daily lives. Then we share our connection to the Word and our application to our lives with the members of our lay-led small group. Some of our discussions are so rich that “my heart does burn” with the joy that comes in the sharing and learning. His Word is an incredible catalyst to bring our participants together into a caring and loving community.
July 14th, 2007 @ 6:48 am
For a number of reasons I am often unable to get to a Sunday service. That doesn’t mean I miss out on God’s word as there are 2 links I use daily which provide the Scriptures for the day with comments on them.
Often they have a line or 2 which stays in my mind.
This is one which I find profoundly encouraging.
“If, then, you seek to know what path to follow, take Christ because he is the way: “This is the way, walk in it.” Augustine, too, has this to say: “Walk in the man and you will arrive at God.” Now, it is better to limp in the way than to make good speed beside the way. For he who limps in the way, even though he makes little progress, draws nearer to the destination; whereas he who walks away from the way gets further from the destination the faster he runs.”
I know that the things which cause me to limp so much will one day be healed and removed!
July 13th, 2007 @ 8:14 pm
Hello fellow readers: Great question! I must set the stage before reading sacred text, or spiritual books. I find a quiet spot. Acknowlege the presence of the Holy Spirit. Feel the presence, and then read silently to myself, a bit at a time. Pause, then read it outloud to myself. God comes to me in the beauty that surrounds me. But I have to find a quiet, still spot within and then allow the Word to penetrate my being. The intellectual process becomes a profoundly physical one.
July 13th, 2007 @ 6:11 pm
Friends,
I am an infant in the blog process and … to Henri’s works. I am thrilled that you exist and I am a big fan of a non-judgemental environment.
Reading Discerning The Process, “We need the word spoken and explained…” on p. 61 resonates with me.
I am blessed to be part of a Small Church Community in our parish. We gather bi-weekly to share God’s word. In our current readings/discussions, we are reviewing Gathered in His Name “Great Twentieth Century Catholics, which is how I happened upon my first experience with Henri’s exceptional writings.
The opening prayer…”I am your God, I have molded you … from The Road to Daybreak pp. 157-158 are so touching. Just to think about God whispering in my ear … “I love you, I love you, I love you,” brings absolute joy to my heart.
We also read and discuss the upcoming Gospel. Prior to Sunday Mass, I find I need to read it again, along with the interpretation by whoever is writing that particular week in the CS&T.
Finally, I love hearing the interpretation of the Word by the priest at Mass, especially when I don’t understand some or all of the meaning.
Even when I hear the same gospel year after year, a new priest or deacon can shed a different light/message.
I am grateful for continued learning’s.
Peace, love, and joy to all,
Kathleen
July 13th, 2007 @ 7:10 am
There are times I find myself not even remembering what I had read or heard at a church service, immediately after the proclamation of scripture. Sad but true. For me it’s important to decide in advance to pay attention, and then to be alert to a word or phrase that grabs me or moves me. Then I feel God’s presence, and I am no longer surprised to learn that other words and other phrases had deep meaning for people I was with. Such is the Spirit’s nature.