Reflection of the Week - 18th March 2025

By Henri Nouwen

Posted in Faith

A Global Spirituality

‘Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ - Matthew 28:19-20

We must develop a global spirituality in which the demands of the Gospel guide not only the behavior of individuals but of nations as well. Many will consider this naïve. They are glad to accept the teachings of Jesus for their personal and family lives, but when it comes to international affairs, they consider these same teachings unrealistic and utopian. Yet, Jesus sent out his apostles to make disciples not just of individual people but of all the nations, and to teach these nations how to observe his commands (Matthew 28:19-20). At the last day, Jesus will call these same nations before his throne and raise the critical question: ‘What have you done for the least of mine?’ (Matthew 25:31-46). The life of discipleship goes far beyond individual piety or communal loyalty. The whole world is to be converted! Nations, not just individual people, are called to leave the house of fear – where suspicion, hatred, and war rule – and enter the house of love, where reconciliation, healing, and peace can reign.

Henri Nouwen, A Global Spirituality - Henri Nouwen

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