This morning brought me to the end of my study book of the trip, “Love, Henri”. It has been quite a journey some of you may have already ventured on and some may want to. It has touched some of my own deepest feelings. At times I have felt that Nouwen should quit praying and pop a pill. That in fact could have been a practical solution. Yet I think he felt his call was to journey through dark and lonely times just to be an instrument for God, which he was.

 Striking this morning was his referring back to the Parodical Son story where we usually consider the Father as God and many of us relate most closely with the returning son. The challenge is to become more and more like the Father with his unconditional love. We are called not only to a new Childhood, but also a new Fatherhood.

 I have entertained a stead stream of visitors this morning and am accumulating gifts to take home. My wife Del has already scored 2 new dresses. Nicola, the housecleaner assures me that the steady flow indicates I’m a good person. If I weren’t, no one would come to see me off.