In biblical terms, a mantle is the equivalent of a legacy. A student and friend of Henri Nouwen for over twenty-five years interprets Nouwen's sacred writings and presents one hundred meditations on his words, in the hope that Nouwen's ministry will continue to thrive. Each encouraging meditation is divided into a portion of Nouwen's writings, a reflection on Nouwen's insights, and a brief prayer.

In contrast to religious traditions that attempt to shield us from death by promising eternal life or by denying or demeaning physical existence, Glaser looks at death directly and with appreciation for what it teaches us about life. Death is an inscrutable and even stern Zen master ready to teach us, a spiritual director eager to inspire us, a soul-friend reminding us that our lifespan has sacred worth. Glaser writes movingly of the deaths that have shaped his soul, whether those deaths occurred through assassination, murder, suicide, accident, divorce, illness, or AIDS. A few deaths were especially transforming and personal, and all will open readers’ hearts to their own discoveries when facing The Final Deadline.

"Ten years after his death in 1996, Henri Nouwen remains one of the most popular and influential spiritual writers of our time. What accounted for his strong personal impact on so many people? The memories, anecdotes, and reflections collected here, all by people who knew and worked with him, shed light on the meaning of Nouwen's life, the diverse facets of his complex personality, and the nature of his enduring legacy. Contributors include Carolyn Whitney-Brown, Michael O'Laughlin, Michael Christensen, John Dear, Jim Forest, Chris Glaser, Robert Ellsberg, and Michael Ford, reflecting on Nouwen's relation to such themes as friendship, compassion, the Eucharist, community, peacemaking, spiritual direction, prayer, and sexuality."--Publisher's website.