Henri Nouwen on Suffering and Joy

Find hope in suffering in this lecture set by Henri Nouwen, one of the twentieth century’s great spiritual masters, as your guide. In our society, we learn to hide our grief, to suppress our joy, to fight darkness with darkness. We are like Jesus’ generation, to whom he says, “We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry” (Luke 7:32). Now, the spiritual master Henri Nouwen helps you practice healing through both suffering and joy. As you learn to embrace mourning as a means of healing, you will discover true life in the Spirit. You will embody one of the most powerful beatitudes: “Blessed are those who mourn.” In the first half of the series, you will learn how you are called to be a healer. The spirit of healing, Nouwen says, requires both mourning your losses and dancing in joy. By embracing your fears and losses, you will reclaim your identity as a beloved child of God. Throughout these talks, Nouwen weaves scripture, his own experiences of suffering, and compassionate insights gleaned from a lifetime of spiritual reflection. Let him help you find true healing and joy. This course is part of the Learn25 Collection.