The Wounded Healer

January 10, 2020

DAILY READINGS

Acts 9:10-19
This weekend’s scripture:  Matthew 2:13-17

FIELD NOTES

Read the following passage from The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen:

“The beginning and the end of all Christian leadership is to give your life for others. Thinking about martyrdom can be an escape unless we realize that real martyrdom means a witness that starts with the willingness to cry with those who cry, laugh with those who laugh, and to make one’s own painful and joyful experiences available as sources of clarification and understanding.

Who can save a child from a burning house without taking the risk of being hurt by the flames? Who can listen to a story of loneliness and despair without taking the risk of experiencing similar pains in their own hearts and even losing their precious peace of mind? In short, who can take away suffering without entering it?”

Questions for the Field

1. What does this passage say to you? Do you agree with Nouwen? Why or why not?

Prayer Guide

May we be open doors to our innermost being—that your light, oh Lord, may shine through. Amen.