Moving From Death Towards Life – Henri Nouwen

Jesus is able to move around in the most difficult situations, not only physically and emotionally, but spiritually. He can explore new ways of loving because he is rooted in God. He breaks right through routines when they become rigid and no longer serve God. He criticizes the Pharisees who were stuck in routines.

Jesus also warns people about living rootless lives. He says, “Remain in me as I remain in you. I love you with the same love that the Father loves me.” He is speaking about the inner connectedness of life. Life-giving connectedness is what allows Jesus to move out of the places of death toward life. The experience of joy that Jesus offers is not happiness. It is not just feeling “up.” Joy is something else. The joy of Jesus is never disconnected from sorrow.