Jean Vanier's Befriending the Stranger
Book Review
“Befriending the Stranger” by Jean Vanier
First let me begin by saying that when Father Dennis and Father David came up with the idea of my reading and sharing my thoughts on books, I was wary. Not because their idea wasn’t a good one, it is, but because I haven’t written a book report since High School. The thought of homework scared me! Yet, I did find the idea intriguing and a challenge for me. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to do it. So here goes…
About the Author:
Jean Vanier was born on September 10, 1928 and died on May 7, 2019. In 1964, he founded L’Arche, and international federation of communities spread over 37 countries for people with developmental disabilities and those who assist them. In 1971, he co-founded Faith and Light with Marie-Hélène Mathieu, which also works for people with developmental disabilities, their families, and friends in over 80 countries. He continued to live as a member of the original L'Arche community in Trosly-Bsreuil, France, until his death.
Book Summary:
In 1968, Vanier gave a Faith and Sharing retreat in Mary Lake, Ontario, the first in his movement of retreats where people from many walks of life are welcome. The retreats continue today as part of the Faith and Sharing Federation.
His book “Befriending the Stranger” is written in chapters that follow this retreat outline. Originally this text was spoken at a retreat for the “assistances” that are part of L’Arche in the Dominican Republic. Each chapter represents a day of the retreat with a theme and subtheme. For example, Day One: “I want to stay in your home today.” (Luke 19) God is calling us into the world of love – Recognizing our call – Rooted in Faithfulness. Each talk is a step on a journey of faith and of love. Vanier suggests “Each should be read as such: quietly, peacefully, so that the reader may be drawn more deeply into the mystery of God’s love revealed in Jesus.”
His common themes are “Love of God”, “Forgiveness” “Compassion” and “Acceptance”. Each day, each chapter gives you cause for reflection, self-examination and an awareness of the suffering of others, especially the weakest and the poorest among us. The stories he tells about the people with disabilities and the people who cared for them with patience, love and compassion were humbling. Their stories are an inspiration as to their ability, through the Holy Spirit, to trust in Jesus, who is God, made flesh. Vanier uses the Gospel as well to remind us that we too must trust Jesus.
Sharing my thoughts:
Just a few personal thoughts of what I took from reading this book. It made me think of things, not in a new way, but in a positive, refreshing way. It never hurts to get another person’s perspective and outlook on things. It can make you stop and say, “uh, never thought of it in that way before”. I appreciated that Vanier used the dialog between Jesus and the Samaritan Woman, the rich man who couldn’t bring himself to sell everything and follow Jesus and other stories from the Gospel.
For me, it was something as simple as taking time to listen. Jesus is always with me. He never leaves my heart. He never abandons me. I just need to take the time and let Him in and listen.
In God’s time, not ours…when I do not understand, when I question why is this happening, that is when I must trust in the Lord, completely, and not let the seeds of doubt come in. I pray.
When I look back on the words written, I realize what I needed to be reminded of. That I am broken, I am a child of God, worthy of his love and forgiveness. As the world revolves around me, and whatever challenges come my way, knowing this is what gets me through.
There are so many other thoughts I took away from Befriending the Stranger, too many to write about. But they are my thoughts. You will no doubt have your own if you choose to read this book. I do recommend it (thank you Father Dennis).
We, are all children of God and worthy of His love.
Wishing you peace, love and good health, God bless.
Gloria Wheeler
(Glory Bee)
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