Jul 2016 The Road to Daybreak A Spiritual Journey by Henri J M Nouwen

(Continue from) Politicians and Ministry   Yesterday Peter returned to Boston and I flew on to Washington to visit my friends there. It was a very joyful day, mostly because I was able to stay very close to Jesus during all my conversations and speak simply and directly about him. This was not always easy because of the distraction of so many people and things. Having lunch with Senator Mark Hatfield in the stately quarters of the Senate Appropriations Committee, hearing about the struggle against the fabrication of nerve gas and the attempts to get some solid information about human rights violations in Guatemala, meeting Henry Kissinger in the corridor, and sensing the general atmosphere of busyness and urgency - all of this gave me ample occasion to leave the house of the Lord and roam around curiously searching for power, influence, and success. Yet all day Jesus remained in the center, and the hours were filled with a sense of God's presence. What most impressed me was the eargerness of all the people I met today to hear about God's presence in this world. It seemed as if I couldn't say enough about it. During my two-hour luncheon with Senator Hatfield and his aides, not a minute was spent talking about politics. All our attention went to questions about the message of the New Testament, living a fruitful life, developing meaningful relationships, prayer, obedience, and faithfulness. As we were talking, I realized that, in fact, we were coming closer to the real problems of the world than a debate on current political issues would have brought us. At one point in our conversation I asked Senator Hatfield, "How can I be of any help to the US Senate?" He said, "Come and speak to us about forgiveness, reconciliation, and ways to live in peace with each other. So much bitterness and resentment, jealousy and anger exist in the lives of politicians, at work as well as at home, that any healing word will be received with open hands." Later, Doug Coe asked me to give a retreat to twenty members of the young presidents' organisation. I asked him, "Who are the young presidents?" He said, "They are people, mostly men, who have made more than a million dollars before they were thirty years old, who head a company with at least fifty employees, and who have significant influence." I asked, "Why do they want a retreat?" He answered, "They have a great desire to come to know Jesus. They will come to any place in the world, on any day you want, to hear you speak about Jesus." How much more do I have to know? Why should I want anything but Jesus, where everyone I meet asks me to proclaim him? My only task is to stay in God's house and stop roaming around in the world. In the midst of all of this, I kept in close touch with Nathan and Jonas. Their prayers and support gave me a sense of safety and protection. I am sent into this world; my friends have to help me not to become part of it.

- To Be Continued - © Copyright Shalom 2016. All rights reserved.