The Return of the Prodigal Son Anniversary Edition: A Special Two-in-One Volume, including Home Tonight

by Henri J.M. Nouwen

Liberation of the human heart…opens us up and leads us to the discovery of our common humanity…a journey from loneliness to a love that transforms, a love that grows in and through belonging….The discovery of our common humanity liberates us from self-centered compulsions and inner hurts; it is the discovery that ultimately finds its fulfilment in forgiveness and in loving those who are our enemies. It is the process of truly becoming human.

Thy pure beaming radiance give. Come Father of the poor, Come with treasures which endure, Come Thou Light of all that live. Thou of all Consolers best, Visiting the troubled breast, Dost refreshing gifts bestow. Thou in toil art Comfort sweet, Pleasant coolness in the heat, Solace in the midst of woe. Light immortal Light divine, Visit Thou these hearts of thine, And our inmost being fill. If you take your grace away, Nothing pure in us will stay, All our good is turned to ill. Heal our wounds our strength renew, On our dryness pour thy dew, Wash the stains of guilt away. Bend the stubborn heart and will, Melt the frozen, warm the chill, Guide the steps that go astray. Thou on those who evermore, Thee confess and Thee adore, In thy sevenfold gifts descend. Give us comfort when we die, Give us life with Thee on high, Give us joys that never end. Amen —Paraphrased by Henri Nouwen in original manuscript tapes; attributed to Pope Innocent III, published in 1570 in Catholic Encyclopedia. JOURNALING Write your willingness to forgo living from your wounded past, and step courageously into the shoes of the One whose heart is filled with love for each person. Write of your desire and willingness to gently open yourself to compassion for those whom you fear. Write of the people in your life and of ways that you will try to embrace them more as brothers and sisters on the journey of life with you. Write of your readiness to allow your maternal and paternal gifts to flower in the ser...

Heart speaks to heart. A WISDOM PRACTICE FOR THOSE ON A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY Practice #9—ASK FOR SUPPORT