As
disciples of Jesus, we are sent to where there is poverty, loneliness,
suffering of any kind. We are given the
courage to be with suffering people. We
can trust that, by entering into places of pain, we will find the joy of
Jesus. A new world grows out of
compassion.
The call
to compassionate ministry is a great call.
But we must not be fearful. We must not say, I can’t do that. When we are aware that we are the beloved,
and when we have friends around us with whom we live in community, we can do
anything. We’re not afraid anymore. We’re not afraid to knock on the door while
somebody is dying. We’re not afraid to
open a discussion with a person who underneath all the glitter is much in need
of ministry. We’re free.
--Henri Nouwen, A Spirituality of Living
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