In his book Road to Daybreak (page 75) Henri Nouwen writes of preachers and writers on religious matters: "Occasionally the main fruit of speaking (or writing) is the conversion of the speaker!" Occasionally? Well, maybe the conversion itself is not always effective. But normally, I think, the preacher is preaching to himself as well as to his hearers or readers. Otherwise, how would he/she know ‘our’ weaknesses, etc.? A few centuries ago Luther made the same point and many a preacher realizes that what they are saying to an audience inevitably is also aimed at his/her own reformation. "We" and "us", therefore, are more appropriate in such material than "you". "You" is appropriate for Jesus, not for me.

If, for instance, the readers of these reflections thought that the writer had perfectly realized the ideals and way of following Christ that he writes about, they would be pretty disappointed by meeting the writer! When he urges the readers to be positive, generous, joyful and full of trust because of the Resurrection, when he sets patience with a fourteen year old as an ideal, when he discusses boredom at religious services he probably knows what he’s talking about, in any of these he’s trying to prod himself. As "you" pray, hope, trust and try to be loving and non-judgmental, as you pray for patience and gentleness in your daily dealings with others, pray that this writer do the same, act with patience and gentleness, be full of trust, free of judging, sympathetic, alert and focused at worship, etc.  Include him in your prayers.

— Don Talafous OSB
dtalafous@csbsju.edu

Saint John’s Abbey
Saint John’s University

Editor’s Note: A suggestion for a unique Christmas gift: Fr. Don Talafous’s new book, a collection of his reflections. They offer hope and encouragement. While they come from the mind, heart, and PC of a Catholic Benedictine, these reflections appeal to church-goers, skeptics, and even those of little if any relation to organized religion. Order here: Musings: A Benedictine on Christian Life