Aug 2014 The Road to Daybreak A Spiritual Journey by Henri J M Nouwen

Continue from ...... A Promise of Resurrection Easter vigil The Lord is risen indeed. They shouted it in French, German, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, and Arabic. There were bells, alleluias, smiles, laughter, and a deep sense that there is hope. This community of handicapped people and their assistants was loudly proclaiming that Christ's body did not remain in the tomb, but was raised to new life, and that our own bodies will join him in glory. While all this joy was filling the chapel, I saw that Nathan stood up with Philippe in his arms and left the church. Philippe's body is severely distorted. He cannot speak, walk, dress or feed himslf and needs help every second of his waking hours. He had been lying in an assistant's lap, quietly sleeping. But when the celebration beame more lively he started to howl, an anguished howl coming from deep down in his being. After a while his howls became so intense and loud that Nathan had to carry him to the car and drive him home. When I saw Philippe in Nathan's arms I suddenly realized what we were proclaiming on this Easter vigil. Philippe's body is a body destined to a new life, a resurrected life. In his new body he will carry the signs of his suffering, just as Jesus carried the wounds of the crucifixion into his glory. And yet he will no longer be suffering, but will join the saints around the altar of the lamb.

- To Be Continued - © Copyright Shalom 2014. All rights reserved.