In the Midst of Our Dark World
I keep expecting loud and impressive events to convince me and others of God’s saving power. … Our temptation is to be distracted by them. When I have no eyes for the small signs of God’s presence — the smile of a baby, the carefree play of children, the words of encouragement and gestures of love offered by friends — I will always remain tempted to despair.
The small child of Bethlehem, the unknown man of Nazareth, the rejected preacher, the naked man on the cross, he asks for my full attention. The work of our salvation takes place in the midst of a world that continues to shout, scream, and overwhelm us with its claims and promises.
Henri Nouwen from Gracias! A Latin American Journal
Henri J. M. Nouwen (1932-1996) was one of the leading spiritual writers of the 20th century. He was the author of The Wounded Healer, Making All Things New, Reaching Out, and many other bestsellers. He was the senior pastor of L’Arche Daybreak in Toronto, Canada — a community where men and women with mental disabilities and their assistants create a home for one another.