Henri Nouwen
Henri Nouwen
Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen,was a Dutch Catholic priest, professor, writer and theologian. His interests were rooted primarily in psychology, pastoral ministry, spirituality, social justice and community. Over the course of his life, Nouwen was heavily influenced by the work of Anton Boisen, Thomas Merton, Rembrandt, Vincent van Gogh and Jean Vanier...
NationalityDutch
ProfessionClergyman
Date of Birth24 January 1932
listening needs speech
To listen is very hard, because it asks of us so much interior stability that we no longer need to prove ourselves by speeches, arguments, statements or declarations. True listeners no longer have an inner need to make their presence known. They are free to receive, welcome, to accept.
distance emotional safe
Our society is so fragmented, our family lives so sundered by physical and emotional distance, our friendships so sporadic, our intimacies so 'in-between' things and often so utilitarian, that there are few places where we can feel truly safe.
blessed eye people
We may be little, insignificant servants in the eyes of a world motivated by efficiency, control and success. But when we realize that God has chosen us from all eternity, sent us into the world as the blessed ones, handed us over to suffering, can't we, then, also trust that our little lives will multiply themselves and be able to fulfill the needs of countless people?
real real-questions
The real question is: how can I live so that my death will be fruitful for others?
self rejection meaningful-life
The greatest trap in our life is not success, popularity or power, but self-rejection.
prayer hands knowing
When you are still young and not yet adult, you want to hold everything in your own hands, but if you have your hands open toward prayer, you are able to stretch out your arms and let yourself be led without knowing where. You know only the freedom which God's breath has brought you will lead to new life, even if the cross is the only sign of it you can see.
prayer silence contemplative
It is to this silence [contemplative prayer] that we all are called.
suffering entering
Who can take away suffering without entering it?
wine thinking grapes
When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become.
sadness joy sorrow
We need to remind each other that the cup of sorrow is also the cup of joy, that precisely what causes us sadness can become the fertile ground for gladness.
block knowledge-of-god wonder
I often wonder if my knowledge about God has not become my greatest stumbling block to my knowledge of God.
sky messengers sun
Those who keep speaking about the sun while walking under a cloudy sky are messengers of hope, the true saints of our day.
real solitude fellowship
Solitude does not pull us away from our fellow human beings but instead makes real fellowship possible.
unconditional-love son found
I am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found.