DAILY MEDITATION

Being in the Church, Not of It
October 23
Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.com
Often we hear the remark that we have to live  in the world without being   of the world. But it may be more difficult to be   in the Church without being   of the Church. Being   of the Church means being so preoccupied by and involved in the many ecclesial affairs and clerical "ins and outs" that we are no longer focused on Jesus. The Church then blinds us from what we came to see and deafens us to what we came to hear. Still, it is   in the Church that Christ dwells, invites us to his table, and speaks to us words of eternal love.

Being   in the Church without being   of it is a great spiritual challenge.
Henri Nouwen
For further reflection...

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." - Hebrews 10: 35,36 (NIV)
Your response...

What is your greatest spiritual challenge today?

Comment on this Daily Meditation.
Continue the Inspiration

Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Reaching Out".
 
Visit our Bookstore:
United States | Canada | United Kingdom
Consider our monthly giving program to sustain the ability to extend Henri's legacy and make his work available to those who seek spiritual formation and nourishment. Click here to sign up today.
Text excerpts taken from Bread for the Journey, by Henri J.M. Nouwen, ©1997 HarperSanFrancisco. All Scripture from The Jerusalem Bible ©1966, 1967, and 1968 Darton, Longman & Todd and Doubleday & Co. Inc. Scripture chosen by L. Yeskoo.
STAY CONNECTED:
View on Instagram