Thursday, January 28, 2010

beloved.

Home is the center of my being where I can hear the voice that says: "You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests" - the same voice that gave life to the first Adam and spoke to Jesus, the second Adam; the same voice that speaks to all the children of God and sets them free to live in the midst of a dark world while remaining in the light.

I have heard that voice. It has spoken to me in the past and continues to speak to me now. It is the never-interrupted voice of love speaking from eternity and giving life and love whenever it is heard. When I hear that voice, I know that I am home with God and have nothing to fear.

As the Beloved of my heavenly Father, "I can walk in the valley of darkness: no evil would I fear."

As the Beloved, I can "cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils."

Having "received without charge," I can "give without charge."

As the Beloved, I can confront, console, admonish, and encourage without fear of rejection or need for affirmation.

As the Beloved, I can suffer persecution without the desire for revenge and receive praise without using it as a proof of my goodness.

As the Beloved, I can be tortured and killed without ever having to doubt that the love that is given to me is stronger than death.

As the Beloved, I am free to live and give life, free also to die while giving life.

-from The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen

Even now here's my heart, God.