The Selfless Way of Christ
Downward Mobility and the Spiritual Life
Author: Henri Nouwen
Illustrations by Vincent van Gogh
A short guide to the spiritual life.
“Vocation, temptation, and formation are lifelong realities. We are called not once, but day in and day out, and we will never know for sure where we are being led . . . But when we persevere with hope, courage, and confidence, we will come to fully realize in our innermost being that through the downward road of Christ we will enter with him into his glory.”
In this short work Henri Nouwen offers a penetrating reflection on the challenge of the spiritual life, especially the call to imitate Christ’s example of “downward mobility.” This vocation is sorely tested by the constant celebration of “upward mobility,” which brings to mind the temptations Christ faced in the wilderness: to be “powerful, relevant, and spectacular.” To prepare us for this path, Nouwen describes the “disciplines of spiritual formation,” represented by the Church, the Word of God, and the promptings of our heart.
Illustrated with drawings by Vincent van Gogh, The Selfless Way of Christ is an inspiring guide for ministers and everyone walking the path of discipleship.
