On December 10, 1968, Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk of the Abbey of Gethsemani, Kentucky died by accidental electrocution at the age of 53 in Bangkok, Thailand as he completed a six-day pilgrimage to study and to teach about prayer with leaders of oriental religions.
His voluminous writings as a formidable and radical social critic, spiritual leader and modern prophet include controversial events on war, industrialization, labor and solidarity, nuclear technology, mass media and the challenge of change.
Merton's chief concern in his writings is the transformation of every human being in relationship with God, the deep concern with the internal desire for God that exists within each person's heart. Throughout his brief but extraordinary life, Merton is the ultimate pragmatist in his approach to the hunger of the human heart for God in the moment and in every activity of daily life.
Today, in his memory, we offer two famous quotes from the enormous library of Mertoniana. We suggest that readers who do not know the writings of Thomas Merton begin to dip their toe into the ocean of this compelling author's work, whose writing still remains fresh in today's contemporary culture. Take five minutes and sit with two writings that Merton penned. What stands out for you? Where do you find your own heart in his words?
Thomas Merton in Louisville Square, Kentucky
“In Louisville, at the corner of Fourth and Walnut, in the center of the shopping district, I was suddenly overwhelmed with the realization that I loved all those people, that they were mine and I theirs, that we could not be alien to one another even though we were total strangers. It was like waking from a dream of separateness, of spurious self-isolation in a special world, the world of renunciation and supposed holiness… This sense of liberation from an illusory difference was such a relief and such a joy to me that I almost laughed out loud… I have the immense joy of being human, a member of a race in which God Himself became incarnate. As if the sorrows and stupidities of the human condition could overwhelm me, now I realize what we all are. And if only everybody could realize this! But it cannot be explained. There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun.”
“Then it was as if I suddenly saw the secret beauty of their hearts, the depths of their hearts, where neither sin nor desire nor self-knowledge can reach, the core of their reality, the person that each one is in God’s eyes. If only they could all see themselves as they really are. If only we could see each other that way all the time.” Thomas Merton, Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander
Prayer of Thomas Merton
“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.” Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude
Thomas Merton, prophet of God, pray for us.
Today's Gospel reading, Advent, Day 10
"Jesus said to the crowds:
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Come, Lord Jesus.