Henry J.M. Nouwen has been one of my most favorite authors whose writings are the best reflections, especially during the Lenten journey. Each of his reflections is like a multi-vitamin for the soul, which leads us to spiritual transformation.

With this write-up, I would like to choose a few of his reflections and present them as rich nourishment for our soul and mind.

The book entitled “The Inner Voice of Love,” is a must-read book, which I highly recommend to own. In the introduction, he so sincerely expresses his agony in search of God: “Intellectually I knew that no human friendship could fulfill the deepest longing of my heart. I knew that God could give me what I desired. I knew that I had been set on a road where nobody could walk with me but Jesus. But all this knowledge didn’t help me in my pain.” (pages xv-xvi).

In the writings of Henry J.M. Nouwen, he shares with the reader a challenging thought – “reclaim your identity.” (page 5). Identity is the main ingredient that must be developed with our being. I cannot imagine that the human person can live a meaningful life devoid of identity. “Reclaim your identity.” This is a calling addressed to each of us by the author. Identity is a key spiritual element that leads us to have a purposeful life, but above all, a life with God.

I spoke about developing the identity, who in the words of the author, must be understood in unceasing prayer: “A seed only flourishes by staying in the ground in which it is sown. When you keep digging the seed up to check whether it is growing, it will never bear fruit.” (page 30).

The spiritual experience of the author is unique. And undoubtedly, as human beings, we all go through this experience. Here, the author presents to us a reflection with an interesting title: “Find the source of your loneliness.” (page 36). And when we read his words, then we must close our physical eyes, but open the door of our heart to seek the answer of our quest.

“The spiritual task is not to escape your loneliness, not to let yourself down in it, but to find its source. This is not so easy to do, but when you can somehow identify the place from which these feelings emerge, they will lose some of their power over you. This identification is not an intellectual task; it is a task of the heart. With your heart, you must search for that place without fear.” (page 36).

Speaking of love, he shares with us enriching thoughts which need no further interpretation. “When you “love” someone or “miss” someone, you experience an inner pain. When your deepest self is connected with the deepest self of another, that person’s absence may be painful, but it will lead you to a profound communion with the person, because loving each other is loving in God.” (page 63).

And as he continues his thought, he makes this powerful statement: “God’s love is all the love you need, and it reveals to you the love of God in the other.” (page 64).

In another reflection entitled “Be a Real Friend,” the author shares with us his deep spirituality. “Real friends find their inner correspondence where both know the love of God. There spirit speaks to spirit and heart to heart. Love between people, when given by God, is stronger than death.” (page 80).

“Those you have loved deeply and who have died live on in you, not just as memories but as real presences.” (page 81).

Henry J. M. Nouwen inspires us with his rich spirituality. In a reflection entitled “Live Your Wound Through,” he strengthens in our being the ability to search our wounds and care for them. “But do not be afraid. The simple fact that you are more aware of your wounds shows that you have sufficient strength to face them.” (page 109).

The book itself speaks of the hidden fear in the heart of the author. In all of his reflections, one sees it clearly that he feels abandoned. However, in the last reflection of the book, he speaks to us about his victory over fear: “I often wondered if God is real or just a product of my imagination. I now know that while I felt completely abandoned, God didn’t leave me alone. Many friends and family members have died during the past eight years, and my own death is not so far away. But I have heard the inner voice of love, deeper and stronger than ever. I want to keep trusting in that voice and be led by it beyond the boundaries of my short life, to where God is all in all” (page 118).

I truly admire the sincerity of the author. His reflections mirror our inner spiritual life. Often we hide them, as has been the struggle by Henry Nouwen. However, there comes the moment when we are able to tell the truth. This is the very moment when God speaks to us loud and clear. This is the moment of spiritual transformation. And the message is strong, which must be lived and shared. God never abandons us.

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian

Primate

January 30, 2021