Jesus does not look at the events of our lives as a series of incidents and accidents that have little to do with us. Jesus sees the political, economic, and social events of our lives as signs that call for a spiritual interpretation. They need to be read spiritually! . . . This is the deepest meaning of history: a constant invitation calling us to turn our hearts to God and so discover the full meaning of our lives.
— Henri J. M. Nouwen, Here and Now