(Softcover; Orbis Books, 2002; Pp.121)
Published as part of Orbis Books Modern Spiritual Masters Series this volume contains selections from the writings of Henri Nouwen spanning his entire creative life. Selected not only from his books but from interviews and magazine articles these writings will introduce the reader to a very broad base of Nouwen’s works. Robert Jonas, a close friend of Henri Nouwen’s since his years at Yale University, has grouped the selections into six themes at the heart of Nouwen’s writing and has entitled the chapters as follows: The Christian Path, Embracing Our Lives, Opening Our Hearts, God’s Presence and Absence, Called Together and Called Into the World. As well, Jonas has written a 50-page introduction to the book entitled The Fire of the Beloved, a beautifully composed and thorough introduction in its own right to Nouwen’s life and spirituality. For new Nouwen readers looking for a broad introduction to Nouwen's life and work as well as for those seeking a deeper understanding of the scope and depth of his writings this book occupies an important place in Nouwen literature currently available.