Ministry means the ongoing attempt to put one's own search for God, with all the moments of pain and joy, despair and hope, at the disposal of those who want to join this search but do not know how.

Compassion can never coexist with judgement because judgement creates the distance, the distinction, which prevents us from really being with the other.

L'Arche is not a service institution or a group home. It is a community that exists to reveal God's love. Our people are given to the world to tell others about peace and forgiveness and celebration, to make them aware that in the midst of their brokenness, there is joy; in the midst of their wounded nature, there is healing.

Listening is a form of spiritual hospitality by which you invite strangers to become friends, to get to know their inner selves more fully, and even to dare to be silent with you.

Prayer is first of all listening to God. It's openness. God is always speaking; he's always doing something.

Life is a gift, not to possess, but to share.

My writing has developed drastically . The Return of the Prodigal Son is the most important thing I've done, and my most mature book.