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Item consists of a typescript of a sermon for the Eucharist on December 17, 1979. Nouwen speaks of the Christ event as being not just a historical event, but also a present event. It happened and it is always happening. By realizing this, we look at all the things that preoccupy us in a new light - the light of the Christ event in the past and in the present.

Item consists of a typescript for an Easter Sunday sermon (April 15, 1979). Nouwen lists events that happened after the resurrection when Jesus revealed himself so that gradually people began to speak, "He is risen." They saw him. They believed. He was with them. Nouwen argues that we are invited to look for Him, to see his face, and to announce also, "He is risen."

Item consists of a typescript of a sermon given at the opening of the Monasticism and the Arts Conference on February 29, 1980. It is based on Philippians 3:20-21 and 6-8, and Mark 8:22-26. Nouwen wants us to recognize, like the monks Anthony and Benedict, that we are blind and in need of healing. We look at art hoping to see the face of God in the expression of those who gave their talents in art, music, architecture to reflect a vision beyond what we see.

Item consists of a typescript of "Brothers and Sisters in Christ", a sermon given at the Abbey of the Genesee on August 12, 1979 (Nouwen stayed at the Abbey of the Genesee for six months in 1979). The sermon is regarding the sending of two monks to Brazil. Nouwen speaks of monastic life as a sign to the world that the eternal is in the temporal and that the monks sent will be a sign of that in Brazil. He argues that we are nurturing the eternal in the temporal.

Item consists of a typescript of a sermon based on Jesus' words, "Do not worry", given by Nouwen on September 26, 1979. Nouwen describes how preoccupied we are with things that pass away quickly, whereas if we centre our hearts on God, we live a divine history with a certain perspective that holds us in the truth.

Item consists of a page of handwritten notes and a typescript of "The Person of the Preacher", a lecture given by Nouwen at General Theological Seminary (New York, NY), on January 21, 1979. Nouwen argues that the preacher not only preaches from the pulpit, but also by the way (s)he lives. The preacher must listen and be obedient to the Word of God and to the word of the people. Thus the preacher becomes available, lays down his/her life for the people of God.

Item consists of a typescript of "That all may be one, as you Father are in me and I in you", a sermon given by Nouwen during the Week of Christian Unity at Yale Divinity School, on January 21, 1977. Nouwen begins by saying how slow Ecumenism has been progressing. He goes on to recognize that generally society is much farther ahead than ten years ago because worship is happening around the same table. He says the Eucharist (the table) is the centre that brings us closer to God and to each other.

Item consists of a typescript of "Prayers spoken during the Baccalaureate Service", at Yale Divinity School on May 15th, 1977. Nouwen's prayer has three parts: praising God, thanking God, and asking God.

Item consists of multiple manuscripts and typescripts of "Thomas Merton Celebration", a talk given by Nouwen at St. Paul's Church, Columbia University, for the 10th Anniversary of Merton's death on December 10, 1978. Nouwen comments on Merton's idea that there are two illusions that deceive us: that we can know ourselves, and that we can know God. Instead, Nouwen argues that we are called to be seers, contemplatives. As the illusions are unmasked, we are free and open to see the newness and surprise of God and then we are willing to help hasten the coming of the day of the Lord. To do so we need to practice repentance and gratitude.

Item consists of a typescript of a sermon for Ash Wednesday (February 23, 1977). The introduction (p. 79) invites the listener to enter into the mystery of God's suffering and to remember that we are mortal, and that God is with us. Nouwen concentrates on God's suffering in our hearts and to bring there our suffering and the suffering of the world. He says "take things to heart".

Item consists of one page of handwritten notes by Nouwen for a sermon on prayer given at St. Peter's Lutheran Church on November 17, 1977.

Item consists of a typescript of "Feast of all Saints", a sermon given by Nouwen. He speaks of those who have survived the great trial, and who are the men and women clothed in white robes. He suggests that we are in the midst of the great trial and the saints remind us not to give up, and to know that we belong to a people who surround the throne of God.

Item consists of a typescript of "Intimacy and Solitude", a lecture given by Nouwen at Fordham University. Nouwen discusses how we seek intimacy more out of desperation because we are so busy and so preoccupied with all the expectations of a busy life. He gives solitude and community as the two disciplines necessary to find intimacy, first with God and then with others.

Item consists of two draft typescripts of "The Silence of God", a Lenten meditation regarding Jesus before the Sanhedrin, Pilate and Herod. Nouwen argues that as Jesus stands before his accusers he is silent, not out of disdain or arrogance, but because those asking him to perform are doing so from curiosity and sensationalism. Nouwen suggests that Jesus only speaks when we come with a real desire to know him and receive his word into our hearts. This is one meditation in a Lenten series given by Nouwen at Battell Chapel in 1980.

Item consists of handwritten notes and a typescript of an Advent meditation on prayer, written between November 21 and 28, 1979. The meditation is based on listening to gospel texts that speak of God's coming and presence.

Item consists of a typescript of a meditation on prayer given by Nouwen on December 12, 1979. He suggests that prayer is a discipline of faith. Prayer should not be for entertainment or to make us feel better, but to express a longing to know that God is with us.

Item consists of a typescript of a Lenten meditation given by Nouwen at Battell Chapel on February 5, 1980. It is based on Luke 22:47-62 - the betrayal and despair of Judas. This is contrasted with Peter's denial and hope.

Item consists of a typescript of a Lenten meditation based on Luke 22:39-46 - how the suffering Jesus gives comfort and hope in suffering.

Item consists of a typescript of "Prayer as Listening", a talk Nouwen gave at a conference on prayer, at the Community of Celebration (Woodland Park, CO), on June 23, 1980. Nouwen talks about the intimate connection between theology and prayer, forms of prayer and the importance of listening.

Item consists of handwritten notes by Nouwen for a sermon on the spiritual life, likely given at a conference on prayer, at the Community of Celebration (Woodland Park, CO). Nouwen talks about how many Christians feel a heavy burden to save and redeem the world. He suggests instead that when Christians feel the need to be relevant, spectacular, and powerful, these are the temptations of Satan. Nouwen argues for the discipline to convert loneliness to solitude, and solitude to community.

Item consists of two drafts of typescripts for a meditation on Psalm 46:10 ("Be still and know that I am God"), given on November 7, 1979. Nouwen speaks about letting ourselves trust and find the stillness that allows God to meet us, to pray in us, to find us. He describes stillness, knowledge that goes beyond intellect, and the love of the God that we believe in and trust. The first draft is written in point-form; the second is likely written as it was spoken.

Item consists of a typescript of "Lenten Meditations: Battell", a sermon given by Nouwen at Battell Chapel during Lent. It is a reflection about suffering and hope using the story of Jesus on the Cross and how we can look at him and hear the words that are addressed to him. Nouwen suggests that Jesus' death helps us with our death, and that we need to reflect on the abundant mercy of God.

Item consists of a typescript of "This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to Him", a sermon given by Nouwen about God as Father, Jesus as Son, and people as Beloved sons and daughters, on November 14, 1979.

Item consists of a typescript of "Out of the Depths We Want to Cry to You O Lord", a sermon given by Nouwen during a memorial service for the dead in Indochina, held at the Battell Chapel, Yale University, on April 21, 1972. Includes a copy of Psalm 130.

Item consists of a typescript of "Advent", a sermon given by Nouwen on December 15, 1971. Nouwen argues that in Advent we know that God is not going to come on Christmas. We expect God in lightning and disaster. But perhaps Advent is waiting and preparing for the God who speaks to us in the gentle breeze. Advent is waiting, but it is also to know that we are waited for. Nouwen recounts the story of the prisoner of war who, at the point of giving up, receives a note from his wife saying they were waiting for him to come home. It changed everything for him. We have received a letter (the Scriptures), and we know God waits for us as we wait for God.

Item consists of a typescript of "Moratorium", a sermon given by Nouwen on May 4, 1972, on non-violence and the peace movement. Nouwen argues that we cannot protest violence with violence, and that is what makes it hard. The expression of our sadness will hopefully lead to repentance, and repentance to compassion, and compassion to peace. We must receive peace as a gift, knowing the elements of violence within ourselves, and growing in compassion for our friends and enemies alike.

Item consists of a typescript of an order of worship held in Marquand Chapel, Yale University, on Monday, November 6, (year unknown).

Item consists of a typescript of a Palm Sunday sermon. Nouwen argues that Jesus goes from Palm Sunday adulation to Good Friday condemnation, but has no illusions. He suggests that we identify with the easy victory of Palm Sunday and we want it, but Jesus reminds us that we are fooling ourselves if we do not see that growth comes from our small and large sufferings.

Item consists of a typescript of "On Silence", a sermon given by Nouwen on March 2, 1972. Nouwen suggests that silence is painful and we run from it, but we will not find God in the noise because God's is a still, small voice that Jesus heard on the mountain early in the morning. Community is being called by the same voice. Ministry is born in silence.

Item consists of a typescript of "Silence", a sermon given by Nouwen. Nouwen argues that our busyness is often a cover for our fear of silence and emptiness. Silence means rest and availability and in it the Spirit of God prays and does creative work. It is a place where we find our center and prepares us for real encounters of friendship and intimacy. New life is born in silence.

Item consists of a typescript of "About Zaccheus, Who Climbed the Sycamore Tree", a sermon on the religious aspects of friendship. Nouwen argues that Zaccheus' openness to concentrate on Jesus with an openness to him, allows something to happen between them. Henri comments on the way we meet people but we are full of ideas, worries and tensions, or we wait to impress the other, or we listen to see if we agree or disagree. Without concentrating on the person, without having room in ourselves to receive the person and what is being said, we miss the opportunity for a real meeting.

Item consists of a typescript of "Behold the Man", a sermon in which Nouwen reflects and prays on John 19:1-6, an image of Jesus brought out by Pilate after his scourging. The sermon is about Jesus' suffering. Item includes three pages of handwritten notes on John 19, in an unknown hand.

Item consists of a typescript of "Gratitude", a sermon given by Nouwen for a Eucharistic service. Nouwen suggests that the spiritual life is one where we are not to master everything, but to be mastered; not to conquer, but to be conquered; not to fill our hearts, but to empty them; all to make a place within to receive the Word of God.

Item consists of a typescript of "How does it happen that each of us hears them in his own native language?", a talk Nouwen gave on the theme of Christian unity and ecumenicism. He uses St. Paul's text about many different languages to talk about unity and division in the Body of Christ. He argues that bread and wine is a sign of unity but perhaps also a sign of brokenness.

Item consists of a typescript of "With Care", a sermon on the care of the sick and pastoral counseling given by Nouwen at Harkness Chapel, Connecticut College, on March 10, 1974. Nouwen argues that cure without care is more harmful than helpful even in the professional setting. He asks: What does it mean to care? How do we become a caring community around the person who is suffering? Nouwen urges his listeners to go beyond the professional to the human in the "caring" professions. Similar ideas were published in "Out of Solitude".

Item consists of handwritten notes by Nouwen of passages taken from the gospel of John relating to the theme of Jesus and the Father.

Item consists of a typescript for "Ministry as Hospitality", a sermon given by Nouwen on June 11, 1972. These ideas were later published in "Reaching Out".

Item consists of a typescript for "With Care: Mark 6:30-44", a talk on care of the sick and pastoral counseling. Nouwen argues that cure without care is more harmful than helpful, even in the professional setting. He asks: What does it mean to care? How to become a caring community around the person who is suffering? Nouwen urges his listeners to go beyond the professional to the human in the "caring" professions. Similar ideas were published in "Out of Solitude".

Item consists of a typescript for "Death and Christ", a sermon given by Nouwen in which he suggests that death, which we do not want to confront, is also a way to life. Nouwen looks at how we avoid death in our culture and how we need to be willing to face our own death, which can become a sign of glory.

Item consists of a manuscript for a sermon on Ash Wednesday. Nouwen comments on the text, "Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." He suggests that by doing so we no longer deny our mortality, we unmask the illusions about immortality, we see the preciousness of the gift of our lives, we fast and go beyond human realities, and we realize that the text is Good News. He talks about Lent, Palm Sunday and the spirituality of suffering.

Item consists of the typescript of "How Do We Keep Our Lamps Burning?: A Sermon on Patience". Nouwen suggests that patience helps us live in the present beyond impatience and boredom to discover that the interruptions of our lives are our very work.

Item consists of a typescript of "The Clown", a sermon on clowns, ministry and weakness. Nouwen uses the circus as an image for our world. He suggests that people keep the circus functioning, as do people in our world. The clown is the one we identify with because he stumbles and makes mistakes like us. Christ was the clown to announce by his life that we are not what we perform. The minister's final task is to announce that God loves us beyond what we can ever perform. Thus we can laugh at our weakness.

Item consists of a typescript of "Out of Solitude". Includes the Preface, Chapter 1: 'Out of Solitude', Chapter 2: 'With Care', Chapter 3: 'In Expectation', and the Conclusion. These meditations were given as sermons at Battell Chapel, Yale University.

Item consists of a manuscript and typescript of "Confession and Forgiveness", a sermon given to the Unitarian Fellowship (KS). Nouwen spoke on confession and forgiveness and suggests that just as we can treat people badly physically, we can also do so spiritually, by focusing on their weaknesses. Forgiveness is necessary.

Item consists of a manuscript of "The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary", a sermon given by Nouwen for Advent. Nouwen suggests that Mary believed and was therefore prepared when visited by the angel Gabriel. Her life was her preparation for her call.

Item consists of a manuscript of a sermon on Romans 13:10-12, which discusses rising from sleep. It is likely Nouwen gave this sermon during his time at the Menninger Foundation (Topeka, KS). He suggests that when we are sleeping the sleep of despair, it is dangerous and we are called to wake up and experience new light and new hope.

Item consists of a manuscript on "It is my pleasure to give as much to this late comer as to thee", a sermon regarding God's fondness for, and forgiveness of, the late-comer.

Item consists of a manuscript of "Why do you invite people to dinner?", a sermon given by Nouwen to priests and seminarians at Moreau Seminary, University of Notre Dame, before the summer break. He writes about hospitality: that inviting someone to dinner is also an invitation to intimacy, and that so is the Eucharist.

Item consists of a typescript of a sermon on "What do you think about the priest?", given by Nouwen to priests and seminarians at Moreau Seminary, University of Notre Dame, on April 24, 1967. Nouwen addresses the drop in the number of priestly vocations, which causes him to reflect on priesthood and vocation.

Item consists of a manuscript of a sermon on "Jesus changes water into wine ... and wine into His own Blood", in which he suggests that pain and suffering are so dominant that we seldom focus on joy, celebration and love, but God does. Nouwen uses Cana as a sign of God's joy.