Lent and Easter Wisdom From Henri J. M. Nouwen

by Henri J.M. Nouwen (Compiler), Judy Bauer (Compiler)

Thought-provoking words from renowned spiritual writer, Henri J. M. Nouwen, lead readers along a journey of conversion during Lent and Easter week. These periods of penance and celebration, lavish with rituals, help us become more sensitive to our own weaknesses and Christ's victory over sin. Through it all, Father Nouwen comforts and reassures us with reminders that God loves and accepts us even in our human state.

Each daily reflection--from Ash Wednesday through the Second Sunday of Easter--begins with thoughts from Father Nouwen on an appropriate theme, supported by Scripture, prayer, and a suggested activity for spiritual growth.



Paperback

Genres: Christian, Spirituality, Religion, Christianity, Devotional, Faith, Christian Living

118 pages, Paperback

First published January 3, 2005

About the author

Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest, theologian, psychologist, professor, and spiritual writer whose work profoundly shaped contemporary Christian spirituality. Born in Nijkerk, the Netherlands, in 1932, Nouwen pursued religious studies and was ordained a priest in 1957. His intellectual curiosity led him to study psychology at the Catholic University of Nijmegen and later at the Menninger Clinic in Kansas, where he explored the connection between faith and mental health. Throughout his life, Nouwen remained committed to integrating pastoral care, psychology, and spiritual theology in a way that addressed the emotional and existential needs of believers.
Nouwen held teaching positions at prestigious institutions including the University of Notre Dame, Yale Divinity School, and Harvard Divinity School. He authored over three dozen books and hundreds of articles, with notable works such as The Wounded Healer, The Return of the Prodigal Son, Life of the Beloved, and The Inner Voice of Love. His writing, often rooted in personal vulnerability and spiritual struggle, resonated with readers across denominations. Nouwen openly explored themes of loneliness, identity, intimacy, and the human desire for love and belonging, making his voice especially relatable and influential.
Though he was a gifted academic and popular speaker, Nouwen found his deepest calling later in life through his involvement with L’Arche, a network of communities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After a transformative stay at the original L’Arche community in France, Nouwen accepted an invitation to become the pastor of L’Arche Daybreak in Richmond Hill, Ontario. There he developed a close bond with Adam Arnett, a core member with severe disabilities, which inspired the book Adam: God’s Beloved. At Daybreak, Nouwen discovered a deep spiritual home and a community that helped him embrace his humanity in profound ways.
Throughout his life, Nouwen wrestled with issues of identity, including his sexuality and his longing for connection, though he remained faithful to his vows. His openness about depression and inner conflict gave depth to his pastoral message, and his ability to turn personal struggle into shared spiritual insight made him one of the most beloved spiritual writers of the 20th century.
Henri Nouwen died in 1996 of a sudden heart attack, but his legacy endures through his writings, the Henri Nouwen Society, and the continued global reach of his message of belovedness, vulnerability, and compassionate community. His books remain bestsellers, widely read in seminaries, churches, and among individuals seeking a more intimate walk with God.

Reviews

[Lyndon]

Don't go out of your way to track this booklet down. If you stumble across it and enjoy Nouwen, then this short collection of devotional thoughts taken from his writings might be a good supplement to your Lenten readings.

[Marc Corsini · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend gave this to me to read during Lent. Great daily devotional. It helped me get closer to God during Lent in 2024! I highly recommend it. I will read it every Lenten season going forward.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely deviotional. I will make its use an annual Lenten tradition.

[Chris Frakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much wisdom and so readable. Definitely going to be a book I go back to during Lent every year!

[Victor Bieniek Jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, challenging book for Lent.

[Daniel Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting daily thoughts for the Lenten season that are geared for a Catholic audience. Daily practices are not always practical (some require some prior planning), but some of the ideas are brilliant (I loved the practice of feeding birds).

[Ann Gemmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply a beautiful and profoundly meaningful Lenten and Easter devotional. So glad I happened upon this and I will for sure be using it again in future years. It includes a brief segment of Henri Nouwen’s writing, coupled with a fitting scripture passage and a brief concluding prayer.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it... I hope to use it every year. Great daily reading.

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

The three stars is because I would have preferred more of Nouwen's own words. Otherwise, it is a good book, with a definite Catholic slant (I'm not).

[Sandra Hurlbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific Lenten companion book.

This is the first experience I have had to read anything by Nouwen. Very gentle and insightful.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the daily readings that were very useful and thought provoking to me during the time before Easter and after. Not too lengthy but inspiring.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will likely read this again next year

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful companion for the Lenten journey! I will use it again.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and thoughtful Lenten companion. Gives a lot to think about over this time of penance and reconciliation, and growing in love with God on our journeys.

[Eraina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good Easter devotional with Lenten actions.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good devotional for Easter

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relatively new to Nouwen, this devotion was the perfect accompaniment for my Lenten journey into daily prayer and meditation time. I look forward to revisiting his writings along with the daily scripture and prayers in years to come. As others have noted, I didn't find the daily actions all that helpful, but the rest of the content more than made up for that.