Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Let us not underestimate how hard it is to be compassionate. Compassion is hard because it requires the inner disposition to go with others to the place where they are weak, vulnerable, lonely, and broken. But this is not our spontaneous response to suffering. What we desire most is to do away with suffering by fleeing from it or finding a quick cure for it. As busy, active, relevant ministers, we want to earn our bread by making a real contribution. This means first and foremost doing something to show that our presence makes a difference. And so we ignore our greatest gift, which is our ability to enter into solidarity with those who suffer. Those who can sit in silence with their fellowman, not knowing what to say but knowing that they should be there, can bring new life in a dying heart. Those who are not afraid to hold a hand in gratitude, to shed tears in grief and to let a sigh of distress arise straight from the heart can break through paralyzing boundaries and witness the birth of a new fellowship, the fellowship of the broken.

-Henri Nouwen

2 comments:

Lori said...

Henri..one of my favs..he WILL challenge you!

Anonymous said...

Love the quote...and somehow I seem to really understand it, at least I think I do. Well, I just wanted to say that I love you guys and I miss all of you and I could not be more proud of you and Karen and what you are doing down there. I can't wait to see you guys and my kids again. Tell them I love them.

Joe