I was struck by what Herbert McCabe said, that all sin results from an anxiety to "make something of ourselves, to construct a self-flattering image of ourselves that we can worship, to believe in ourselves—our fantasy selves." Wow, have I wrestled with this in my own life! The Western world puts such a premium on "achievement" that it breeds an existential fear of "littleness" of "meekness" of humble obscurity. To be forgotten about is the worst of all possible outcomes. I really need to do some more serious discernment about how these notions have affected my spiritual life. I will definitely be picking up a copy of McCabe's book and Nouwen's "Following Jesus."
A few months ago I read Nouwen's posthumous trilogy "Spiritual Formation", "Spiritual Direction", and "Discernment." I got a lot of insight out of these books, so I'm eager to read more of Nouwen's work. I also read "Return of the Prodigal Son" years back.
I love the Middle English best—and what you see on this post is actually just the Middle English with spelling slightly updated for clarity! But if you’d like to read in translation, I recommend the Colledge & Walsh translation for the Classics of Western Spirituality series! It’s a good one by good scholars.
Henri Nouwen is wonderful. I need to find more of his books after reading two of them this year. Also, the "littleness" of hobbits completely aligns with the humility and selflessness we can associate with in our spiritual growth!
I was struck by what Herbert McCabe said, that all sin results from an anxiety to "make something of ourselves, to construct a self-flattering image of ourselves that we can worship, to believe in ourselves—our fantasy selves." Wow, have I wrestled with this in my own life! The Western world puts such a premium on "achievement" that it breeds an existential fear of "littleness" of "meekness" of humble obscurity. To be forgotten about is the worst of all possible outcomes. I really need to do some more serious discernment about how these notions have affected my spiritual life. I will definitely be picking up a copy of McCabe's book and Nouwen's "Following Jesus."
That quote has been on my mind so much lately. McCabe is brilliant.
I think you will enjoy the Nouwen, I've been reading it with my small group and its got a lot of gifts to give.
A few months ago I read Nouwen's posthumous trilogy "Spiritual Formation", "Spiritual Direction", and "Discernment." I got a lot of insight out of these books, so I'm eager to read more of Nouwen's work. I also read "Return of the Prodigal Son" years back.
I love Return of the Prodigal Son… he is such a gentle and loving and clear teacher
This is so lovely! Thank you! Which translation of Julian do you read/ prefer?
I love the Middle English best—and what you see on this post is actually just the Middle English with spelling slightly updated for clarity! But if you’d like to read in translation, I recommend the Colledge & Walsh translation for the Classics of Western Spirituality series! It’s a good one by good scholars.
Thank you, I'll look that one up. I loved the quotes you posted.
It’s one of my favorite books ever written. I hope you love it too!
Many people in my tradition know those words to the tune of Tallis's Canon. Here's a really lovely rendition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwMIENd9320
How beautiful! Thank you for sharing
Im a fan of Julian of Norwich and thanks for this reminder of a key point of her writings.
She is just wonderful ♥️
Henri Nouwen is wonderful. I need to find more of his books after reading two of them this year. Also, the "littleness" of hobbits completely aligns with the humility and selflessness we can associate with in our spiritual growth!
Can’t go wrong with Tolkien & Nouwen ♥️♥️