Monthly Archives: October 2012

Gleanings: The Necessity of Compassion

Posted on October 31, 2012 by

Here’s a good second post for Wednesday—the day we focus on clergy and spiritual leaders here at Oboedire.  Henri Nouwen reminds us of the importance of compassion in the practice of ministry…. The Church often wounds us deeply.  People with … Continue reading →

Posted in Gleanings

Shepherd’s Care: The Necessity of Virtue

Posted on October 31, 2012 by

We’ve been looking at some of the key “ingredients” in a ministry based upon a vocational paradigm rather than a professional one.  Our location, values, humanity, and giftedness combine to give us a sense of mission. But “ingredients” are not … Continue reading →

Posted in Shepherd's Care | 1 Comment

In-Sight: Church of “The Weakest Link”

Posted on October 30, 2012 by

Henri Nouwen speaks another powerful word to us.  From the vantage point of my Wesleyan tradition, I can say for sure, “John Wesley would love this….” The most honored parts of the body are not the head or the hands, … Continue reading →

Posted in In-Sight

Desert Wisdom: Fasting (1)

Posted on October 30, 2012 by

Bunge moves from examining the times for prayer to the theme of fasting and prayer—an often-combined emphasis in early Christianity—a combination noted in the Bible itself.  We will spend several blogs on this connection. As with prayer, Jesus and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Desert Wisdom

Gleanings: Forgiving the Church

Posted on October 29, 2012 by

Henri Nouwen’s writings in Bread for the Journey are currently dealing with the church, and I’m finding a number of them to be particularly inspiring, especially as we live in a time when some are advocating a “churchless Christianity.”  Nouwen … Continue reading →

Posted in Gleanings | 1 Comment

Listenings: Transformed for Mission

Posted on October 29, 2012 by

Nouwen ends Chapter One with the reminder that the “transparency” and “transformation” which we receive in contemplative prayer is intended not only to shape us into greater conformity to Christ, but also send us into the world to make him … Continue reading →

Posted in Listenings

The Holy Gospel: October 28, 2012 (Year B)

Posted on October 27, 2012 by

Read:  Mark 10:46-52 Meditation:  “The Way is Open” How many times have you told yourself that calling out to God about something would be a “bother” to God?  How many times have you allowed someone to convince you that you … Continue reading →

Posted in The Holy Gospel