The Dignity to Give and Receive - Thoughts from Henri Nouwen

This Easter, with much of the world in need, these words are especially pertinent.  Haiti, for example, where Rea DOl, headmaster of the SOPUDEP School in Pétion-Ville, Haiti and since the earthquake, unofficial "Mayor" of the area maintains dignity with the charity needed to keep her area viable.  There is a system of barter and order in place so that what relief comes in is distributed fairly.  In Pétion-Ville, those who receive also give, by supporting the injured and orphans there.

This Easter, whether our jobs are cut by furlough or layoff, or whether we are still lucky enough to be fully employed, let s look for ways to receive and to give, to bring peace in our lives and in our world.

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The Dignity to Give and Receive

"Nobody is so poor that he/she has nothing to give, and nobody is so rich that he/she has nothing to receive." These words by Pope John-Paul II, offer a powerful direction for all who want to work for peace. No peace is thinkable as long as the world remains divided into two groups: those who give and those who receive. Real human dignity is found in giving as well as receiving. This is true not only for individuals but for nations, cultures, and religious communities as well.

A true vision of peace sees a continuous mutuality between giving and receiving. Let's never give anything without asking ourselves what we are receiving from those to whom we give, and let's never receive anything without asking what we have to give to those from whom we receive.

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Share your thoughts on this reflection. These reflections are taken from Henri J.M. Nouwen's Bread for the Journey.

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