On Meaning, assignment due Monday, March 14, 2011

Please answer the following questions (2-3 complete sentences) on the conclusion ('Given,' 'Living as the Beloved,' and 'Epilogue' of Life of the Beloved.

1.
"Our humanity comes to its fullest bloom in giving"(Beloved, 106). What are some ways, in your life, you give?

2.
In the world, many times, with what does happiness have to do?

3.
On page 132, Nouwen illuminates us in terms of the world, our source, and true living. Take a look at this vision. Are we able to articulate this understanding to one another, in our own words? Please state in your own words.

4.
Nouwen writes, "Living the spiritual life means living as one unified reality." What is the unified reality Nouwen describes. Please, in your own words, help illustrate this reality.

5.
In the Epilogue, Nouwen asks, "Is there anything in our world that we can call 'sacred'? Is there? Share a list of "things" you consider 'sacred'.
(Sacred - worthy of veneration; holy-entitled to reverence or respect.)

On Meaning, assignment due Wednesday, March 2 and Thursday, May 3, 2011

Please conclude reading of Henri Nouwen's Life of the Beloved. Be prepared to discuss.

On Meaning, assignment due Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Henri Nouwen and one of his many friends at L'Arche.

Read through page 83 of Henri Nouwen's Life of the Beloved and be prepared to discuss the following:

On Being the Beloved

1. Nouwen states on page 30 that “ ‘You are my Beloved’ [reveals] the most intimate truth about all human beings.” What truth does it reveal?

2. According to Nouwen, what is “friendship … all about?”

3. Let’s consider Nouwen’s statements about self rejection and arrogance that begin on page 31. In your understanding, do these statements ring true?

4. On pages 36 -37, Nouwen makes a long list of statements about all of God’s human creation. From where did these statements originate?

On Becoming the Beloved: “Taken”

1. On page 45 Nouwen writes “ … the spiritual life is not simply a way of being, but also a way of becoming, what then is the nature of this

becoming?” Help explain.

2. In the section entitled Becoming the Beloved, Nouwen begins to use liturgical images to illustrate the life of the Beloved. How?

3. In Nouwen’s discussion of being “Taken” or “Chosen,” describe the three disciplines he believes help us to live fully into the life of the beloved.

On Becoming the Beloved: “Blessed”

1. On page 68, Nouwen teaches us about the word “blessing.” What does the word mean?

2. What are Henri’s two suggestions for claiming your blessedness?

Reflection:

Take a moment to consider a time or place wherein you felt chosen. Please illustrate. Then, consider a time or place wherein you felt a sense that many, with you, were chosen, how did both these instances make you feel/ or in what ways did they make you think?

On Meaning, assignment due THURSDAY, October 14

Please bring your journal to class. Over the Fall Holiday, please be attentive to your dreams. Take note of the ones you remember and with which you resonate.

On Meaning, assignment due WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY, September 29 and 30

Journals due. The journal should include one entry on freedom (required and completed in class) as well as any other thought and dream notes (not required).

On Meaning, assignment due Monday, September 13.

Bring folder (in hand) and folder (on web) named 'On Meaning.'