Leaping off the page,
he assumed a posture
I had never seen before,
yet I knew it to be the correct stance.
Though he spoke mysteriously and mystically,
somehow I knew I was in the right place.
-d. o.
I have long been fascinated by reading the mystics, many of whom are remembered as once important figures but often not taken seriously today by mainline Christianity.
Thomas Merton is one of those whose works are considered not relevant in this time of ever-increasing technological and societal change.
What does a mid 20th century monk have to tell us in the 21st century about how we should approach a better relationship with God?
Are we to ignore his writings, ideas and his example and set them aside to be discarded as irrelevant?
Thomas Merton is just as relevant today as when he lived. His words continue to be both inspiring and meaningful. And his words featured in this post bring to life a Merton that many do not know.
May you know him now.
Thomas Merton OCSO (January 31, 1915 – December 10, 1968) was an American Trappist monk, writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist, and scholar of comparative religion. On May 26, 1949, he was ordained to the priesthood and given the name “Father Louis”. He was a member of the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, near Bardstown, Kentucky, living there from 1941 to his death. *
Merton wrote more than 50 books in a period of 27 years, mostly on spirituality, social justice and a quiet pacifism, as well as scores of essays and reviews. Among Merton’s most enduring works is his bestselling autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain (1948). His account of his spiritual journey inspired scores of World War II veterans, students, and teenagers to explore offerings of monasteries across the US. It is among National Review’s list of the 100 best non-fiction books of the century. *
My own personal journeys have been varied, in search of God in so many different places and so many different ways. I have struggled through addictions and travelled down several religious/spiritual avenues. Only to, at last, truly encounter him in the silent, meditative times of my life. Be still and know that he is God.
May you find him now.
My life has been full of surprises. Some very unpleasant and some wonderfully “Aha” moments. There have been many twists and turns and challenges that have, at times, caused considerable pain to myself and to those I love. And still, I have received the undeserved gift of grace that God has extended me. I am filled with such gratitude. I do not, for one second, take this for granted. I acknowledge his saving grace every day in thankful prayer. It has allowed me to know the peace of a contented life as I enter my eighty-first year.
May you grow in peace.
When my mind is full of conflicting thoughts, all fighting for my attention, it is very difficult to focus on God. Reading Merton helps me realize that contemplating God need not be just a “sit-down in a quiet spot practice” but more, a heartfelt moving encounter with the our loving creator that can be experienced wherever you are. So take a moment out of your “busyness of doing” and say a little prayer-a breath prayer if that is all you have time for. It will go a long way toward stilling a cluttered mind.
Bring God into your presence wherever you are.
It’s always comforting to me to realize that I am a valued child of the living God. He loves and accepts me just as I am. That I need not compete in any way for his love and acceptance. Take the time from “doing” and just “be.”
Realize God loves you just as you are.
If I were to expect people to love me because of how worthy I am, I would exist in a lonely universe. My closest friends love me in spite of all my shortcomings and flaws. I praise and thank God for that. It is commanded that we love our God with all of our hearts, minds and souls. That we love our neighbor as ourselves. No judgment of worth. No comparison of sin.
Just love one another.
My greatest moments of peace have come when I have discarded the masks that I wear (my false self) and exposed my true self. To be transparent, open, honest and vulnerable is a freedom I pray each of you will know. God can and will free us to be our true authentic selves if we but ask him.
Know yourself, know God, know peace.
I hope I have piqued your interest in reading Thomas Merton. For a look at his 7 essential works, click here
