“Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life” by Henri Nouwen, published by Image Books in 1986 is the latest book I read. It offers a modern-day direction towards Christian spiritual quality that provides inspirational articulation to the conventional concepts about love of oneself, of one’s neighbor, and love for God. For the author, genuine spiritual quality entails a regimented progression of extending and then allowing within. This may be applied in the shift from lonesomeness to isolation, finding out the individual’s inner self. In terms of the movement from antagonism to generosity, makes it possible for others to become complete themselves and from illusion to prayer, rising above the sense of conclusiveness in the limited lives of people to discover God in unconditional waiting.
The book conveys much conventional and modern-day insight. However, since no writing is perfect, the unevenness of the text where the external cohesion is inadequate and the overly sentimental usage of diary extractions about his personal experiences mar the entirety of the literature’s valuable parts.
As a concrete response, the daily responsibilities to sustain the lifestyle we choose, sometimes we tend to forget what are most essential. I am not excluded, because I too have become so involved of the demands of life and the daily tasks that need to be accomplished. I am aware that I belong to a society of people and that there is an interaction that occurs on a daily basis, but there comes a point in one’s life when you feel lonely and isolated. This gave me the opportunity to make some introspection about my life, particularly my spirit and Christian faith. In some degree, I have turned out to be a slave of modernism and the capacity to maintain the lifestyle I take pleasure in. I have neglected the Bible as I took notice of it one day in my bookshelf. I wondered when was the last time I had the chance to read a chapter of it. It seemed like long ago when I felt I was veering away from the conventions of my faith. I had opened it again while I was questioning my faith in the midst of loneliness. It was a trying time where things in my life seemed not to work out in so many aspects. I turned the page and landed in the Book of Deuteronomy. I read the passage that said “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not fail you or forsake you, Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 13:8) Like a bolt of lightning I was struck by these words. I knew then, that God was communicating with me and pacifying my spirit and questions of faith.
In my reflection all through reading the book of Nouwen, I felt he was no ordinary man. I have not read about him from the New York Times review nor have I heard of his name among the most popular and affluent preachers, with powerful strings of influence and reach in various levels of society. However, he has written a compelling literature which more positively I acknowledge more than criticize. He may not have the most excellent articulation and writing may not earn him a Nobel Peace Prize, but there is something compelling and sincere beyond the syrupy words. I am just wondering if someone as a firm believer and scholar like him would encounter fits of doubts, what more inexperienced individuals like me. Will Christianity put my life together? Will it give me the grace of satisfaction in my life, which seems to be evading me? If I do not make my life any better and if I will not be able to put it together, does that mean I am not fit to be a Christian? Does this denote the fact that despite any effort I will do, I am not a good Christian?
There is something behind the articulations of the author that seem to answer my queries and doubts. Although I have not met him, his words appear to jump out of the text and speak to me directly that nobody’s life is perfect, not even a devout and scholar. If let’s say my life does not get better or it does not come together as it should be, does not mean I am not a Christian. I have to start thinking selflessly and think of others who are less fortunate than I am. I have to get out of the world and find those who need my help. I will not find the gratification I seek if I concentrate on only myself. I have to begin opening to the world and get out of my comfort zone. Yes, I have been available for family and friends and I have extended for a few people I do not even know personally. But I guess, that should not be enough if I want to seek the essence of my humanity. I believe now that there is so much I still can do for the world and for other people. It would actually be a mutual endeavor where I will find the answers to my quests as well as fulfil my life’s purpose and be able to act as facilitator for other people’s discovery of themselves and their purpose in life. Christianity is not the absolute answer to life’s predicaments. It is a way of life and through it the answers to life’s most significant questions may be recognized.
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