A New Year Dawns
“God has put a new song in my mouth,
it is a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
And put their trust in the Lord.”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 40:3)
This week’s devotions have been a small tribute to Henri Nouwen, a teacher who faithfully pointed people to God. Henri was one of the finest spiritual guides of the 20th century.
Let me finish this week of devotions with an observation made by Henri Nouwen more than two decades ago: “New ways must be found for nations to lift up their unity in global celebration and praise to the Creator in ecstatic, joyful song. Most people despair that such a peace is possible. They cling to old ways and prefer the security offered by preparing for war to the insecurity of taking risks for peace. But the few who dare to sing a new song of peace are the new St. Francises of our time. They offer a glimpse of a new order that is being born out of the ruin of the old. The world is waiting for new saints, ecstatic men and women who are so deeply rooted in the love of God that they are free to envision a new international order – where justice reigns and war is no longer the preferred way to solve conflicts among nations.”
A big task for a new year? Yes indeed. God be with this world.
--Ben Keckler
01.13.12
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