Mourning our losses is the first step away from resentment and toward gratitude. The tears of our grief can soften our hardened hearts and open us to the possibility to say “thanks.

— Henri Nouwen (1932–1996), Priester und Autor

Source: With Burning Hearts: A Meditation on the Eucharistic Life (über goodreads, Wortlaut nicht gegengeprüft)

Topics: Grief & Comfort, Joy & Gratitude, Grace & Redemption

Henri Nouwen

Henri Nouwen (1932–1996) war ein niederländischer katholischer Priester, Theologe und geistlicher Schriftsteller, der nach akademischer Lehrtätigkeit in den USA seine letzten Lebensjahre in einer L’Arche-Gemeinschaft in Kanada verbrachte. Er steht für eine Spiritualität der Verwundbarkeit, die unbedingte Annahme des Menschen durch Gott und den bewussten Dienst an Schwachen jenseits von Erfolgsstreben. Bibellesern eröffnet er einen einfühlsamen Zugang zu biblischen Gleichnissen und Themen, indem er theologische Tiefe mit psychologischem Feingefühl und dem ehrlichen Umgang mit eigenen Zweifeln verbindet.

All quotes by Henri Nouwen (575)

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Ultimately mourning means facing what wounds us in the presence of One who can heal.
Henri Nouwen

A Jesus who never wept could never wipe away my tears.
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Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains… Nobody is afraid of a shadow, for a shadow cannot block a man’s pathway for even a moment. The shadow of a dog can’t bite; the shadow of a sword can’t kill.
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Fits of depression come over the most of us. Usually cheerful as we may be, we must at intervals be cast down. The strong are not always vigorous, the wise not always ready, the brave not always courageous, and the joyous not always happy.
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The bells sound, they sound quite differently than usual, when one knows of a dead person whom one loves.
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No greater sorrow than to recall a time of happiness in misery.
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Death is no more than passing from one room into another. But there's a difference for me, you know. Because in that other room I shall be able to see.
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What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, For all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.
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