Then we will discover that our faithfulness to a small task is the most healing response to the illnesses of our time. — Henri Nouwen.
Nouwen’s assertion that “our faithfulness to a small task is the most healing response to the illnesses of our time” prompts: what exactly are the illnesses plaguing our contemporary world? I am certain that each of us would name some illnesses in common, but I am even more sure that we would not all agree on all of them. Some illnesses have been with us for a long time, such as materiality, jealousy, slavery, and vanity – timeless afflictions that continue to shape our interactions and societies. Also, there are challenges that seem unique to our era, such as the impact of violent games on children, and the broader influence of technology and media on our development and values.
Instead of getting bogged down in a potentially endless debate about the definitive list of societal ills, lets shift towards the proactive and empowering question: what are the small tasks that can serve as healing responses? This is the core of Nouwen’s wisdom.
The easiest response is to love unconditionally and to love our neighbor no matter what illnesses he or she might possess. This response speaks directly to the fractured nature of our societies, often marked by division, prejudice, and a lack of empathy. To consistently choose love, especially towards those we find challenging or different, is a radical act of healing. It begins to dismantle the walls of separation and fosters connection, the very antithesis of isolation and alienation, which are arguably significant illnesses of our time.
Learning to love and forgive ourselves is also a crucial and often overlooked dimension. I call this malady the “self-loathing disease,” a pervasive inner conflict that can cripple our capacity for outward love and action. If we are constantly battling internal negativity, our ability to offer genuine care and healing to the world is diminished. Self-compassion, therefore, becomes not a self-indulgence but a necessary foundation for effective engagement with the world’s pain.
Lent provides a structured opportunity for introspection and the cultivation of virtues. By consciously choosing small acts of love, forgiveness (of self and others), and presence, we actively participate in the healing process, both personally and collectively.
Ultimately, Nouwen’s wisdom lies in the understanding that the overwhelming nature of our contemporary “illnesses” – be it societal divisions, environmental degradation, mental health crises, or the pervasive sense of disconnection – can be addressed not through grand pronouncements or unattainable ideals, but through the quiet, consistent practice of small acts rooted in love and compassion. A “well individual,” equipped with self-awareness and a commitment to these small acts, becomes a potent force for healing in a world desperately in need of it.
Leave a Reply +