The Heart of Henri Nouwen: His Words of Blessing

by Rebecca Laird, Michael J. Christenesen

For almost 40 years, it was Henri Nouwen's practice to celebrate the Eucharist daily, whether alone or with others. The Eucharist was the heart of his ministry and his own spirituality and is celebrated in this beautiful anthology. As in the rhythm of the Eucharistic prayer where the bread is taken, blessed, broken and given, so the selections here follow the active imperatives: choose, bless, break, give. Each of these sections is introduced with a short biographical essay and some suggestions on how best to savour the readings. The Heart of Henri Nouwen opens up the passionate core of one of our era's most influential spiritual leaders.

Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

Reviews

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. I've read it as a devotional, reflecting on what I've read each day. There has always been something very helpful, that has helped me through that day.

[Jillian P · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book that collects many of Henry's thoughts. It surprised me to know that he was such a vulnerable person with regards to his personal relationships and his sense of belongingness as I am. This book has made me understand that we are all bound to a God who is of pure Love. Life would be easier if we look at the bigger picture, which leads to Eternity.

People are simply manifestations of His Divine love.
Our joy from deep communion with other souls is a reflection of a deeper joy that will yet unfold in a lasting communion with our Maker. If otherwise, our disappointments from the finiteness of people should not taint the infinite nature of God's grace and compassion for our individual struggles. If compassion were commonplace, there would be less heartaches in personal relationships with family. There would be less need for acceptance. Much energy would be divested to tell the world how much each and everyone is equal because we are all God's beloved.

[Kerrfunk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book introducing the reader to the writings (and the heart) of Dutch Catholic priest and theologian Henri Nouwen (1932-1936). Rebecca Laird structures the book around the four parts of Holy Communion, offering Nouwen passages in the themes of TAKE, BLESS, BREAK, and GIVE. I'm inspired both to read more Nouwen and to give this book as a gift.

[David Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good collection from the works of Henri Nouwen - that attempts to bring out nuggets from various books in order to get at what the authors felt was the heart of his work. Read with my reading partner and it made for good discussion each week.