Beyond the Mirror

Henri Nouwen examines his life after a near death accident in which he encounters the Living God. Facing the possibililty of dying he is able to let go and let God's unconditional love come to him and accept himself as God sees him. His recovery from the accident brings about many changes in his attitude towards his family, friends, acquaintances and yes even his enemies. The experience brought resolve and forgiveness for his sins and the sins of others. To come back to the living and take his daily cross was very difficult, since he had already prepared himself for the next life with Christ. To return to the former routine seemed impossible at that time but before long he had gone back to his former ways and was constantly trying to keep the peace that he had found during his illness. Another book that touches on going to the mountain top and coming back would be "Hind's Feet on High Places" Hinds' Feet on High Places an allegory by Hannah Hurnard.

This book is different from many of Nouwen's other writings in that he presents lessons learned and spiritual reflections from a very specific event in his life (an almost fatal accident). As he often does, Nouwen delves deep into his own mind and shares his fears and deepest thoughts as he faced death. His thoughts on forgiveness "in the very end" for others and by others, caused me to give great consideration to how I daily forgive. If you fear death or are not "ready" for it, this book provides comforting thoughts for preparing for our real home.

As a seminarian you are always searching for new and exciting ways to attain a deeper and more enriching level of spirituality. However, Henri Nouwen presents in this little book the basis for all spirituality. More than anything, he emphasizes that spirituality is what works for you. Furthermore, he reminds us that spirituality is not some far fetched ideal but brings us back to basics by making us realize that spirituality is found in our everyday realities. The tools for spirituality are not only theoretical, but also practical and need to be utilized in our lives as much as possible. Although a Catholic priest, as I hope to be some day, he presents a very objectified view of his experience.

Henri Nouwen wrote "Beyond the Mirror" after suffering from a serious, nearly fatal, accident with the intent to "...bring comfort and hope to my brothers and sisters who are afraid to think of their approaching death, or think of it in fear and trembling, but never in peace." This slight (only 74 pages) volume delivers - in spades. The transcendental love Nouwen experiences, the peace and relaxation he feels while ill, and the struggle to hang onto his new experiences after recovering are believable, touching, and all too real. This book would make a wonderful gift for anyone facing a serious or life-threatening illness, or those deeply frightened of dying. I hope it comes back into print soon.

Nouwen always grips the reader, but in HERE AND NOW, he compels you to visit the book again and again. The reader is challenged to periods of silent compassion, bringing to mind the friends who sat quietly with Job in his grief. (They were more helpful that way!) If you freqent airplanes, be sure to carry this book along and read the sections on worry, death and life-in-the-now; you will know incredible peace! Discover new meaning for the word "family," new attitudes about what you think you possess and what's really important, sources to guide you in spiritual maturity, and so much more! "We cannot live a spiritual life alone," to quote Nouwen, and we need books like this one to get us thinking and moving and better relating to each other. "Claim your belovedness" with help from this book!