Rublev. Henri Nouwen, Meditation 'Praying With Icons'

In the course of encountering of the Icon Trinity of Rublev, the books of Henri Nouwen included the meditations on Icons.
It was bequeathed to by the late, "Ex Libris, Canon Daniel Mc Guiness, 1925-1997. D.D.D."
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Behold the Beauty of the Lord. Henri Nouwen

LIVING IN THE HOUSE OF LOVE (Conclusion)

While Jesus predicts that people will die of fear “as they await what menaces the world” (Lk 21:26), he says to his followers: “Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man” (Lk 21:36).

After I gazed for a long time at Rublev's Trinity these words spoke to me with new power.

“Praying at all times” has come to mean “dwelling in the house of God all the days of our lives.” “Surviving all that is going to happen” now tells me that I no longer need to be a victim of the fear, hatred and violence that rule the world.

“Standing with confidence before the Son of Man” no longer just refers to the end of time, but opens for me the possibility of living confidently, that is, with trust (the literal meaning of con-fide) in the midst of hostility and violence.

I pray that Rublev's icon will teach many how to live in the midst of a fearful, hateful and violent world while moving always deeper into the house of love.

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