You Are the Beloved

November 20, 2017
Drawn from the many writings by Dutch Catholic priest and theologian Nouwen (The Wounded Healer), the reflections in this welcoming daily devotional encourage readers to think of themselves as God’s beloveds. Short daily meditations offer soothing and thoughtful insights into pain and healing, nonviolence and love, suffering, and compassion, among other subjects. In one reflection, Nouwen reminds readers to reject society’s loud messages proclaiming that we must prove our belovedness through our looks or our wealth: “Each one of us is unique, known by name, and loved by the One who fashioned us.” Another heartfelt devotion urges the practice of true hospitality by creating a free and welcoming space where “a stranger can become a friend instead of an enemy.” Nouwen quietly urges readers to reconsider freedom so that it is not simply an action that liberates from oppressive forces but rather an act of forgiveness and bonding. These graceful selections from Nouwen’s writings contain hopeful thoughts for every day of the year.