REDISCOVERING THOMAS MERTON
I met Thomas Merton when I was in college more than 15 years ago while working on my thesis. I no longer remember the book that introduced me to him but the affinity I felt for his ideas and his values is of a kindred nature. Contemplative life, spirituality, ecumenism, East-West relations, personal and corporate inner work, peace, and social justice are what he promoted as the center established in his memory and works puts it.
He fell in love with Asia (as I would like to believe talks then that he wanted to continue his monastic life on its grounds). Tragically however, on that last trip of his in 1968, he died, still a man of peace. And if conspiracy theories are to be believed he died because of his works that have disturbed men of war. But as I've heard it told of people like him, his death does not define the kind of person that he was and the quality of life that he created wherever he was led.
His is a pilgrim soul that reflects back the worth of a person through the eyes of his or her Beloved. I am priveleged to have met such a human being. The life that he has given up for another, sifted, kneaded, blessed and broken -- this is what I now partake of. Today, I walk with him again. What a joy it is to know that it is another accompanied walk to Emmaus and dinner with the One who makes our hearts burn.
"I have articulately resisted attempts to have myself classified as an 'inspirational writer'. But if I have written about interracial justice, or thermonuclear weapons, it is because these issues are terribly relevant to one great truth: that man is called to live as a child of God. Man must respond to this call to live in peace with all his brothers and sisters in the One Christ."
---
Photos and quote source: The Thomas Merton Center
http://www.merton.org/
I met Thomas Merton when I was in college more than 15 years ago while working on my thesis. I no longer remember the book that introduced me to him but the affinity I felt for his ideas and his values is of a kindred nature. Contemplative life, spirituality, ecumenism, East-West relations, personal and corporate inner work, peace, and social justice are what he promoted as the center established in his memory and works puts it.
He fell in love with Asia (as I would like to believe talks then that he wanted to continue his monastic life on its grounds). Tragically however, on that last trip of his in 1968, he died, still a man of peace. And if conspiracy theories are to be believed he died because of his works that have disturbed men of war. But as I've heard it told of people like him, his death does not define the kind of person that he was and the quality of life that he created wherever he was led.
His is a pilgrim soul that reflects back the worth of a person through the eyes of his or her Beloved. I am priveleged to have met such a human being. The life that he has given up for another, sifted, kneaded, blessed and broken -- this is what I now partake of. Today, I walk with him again. What a joy it is to know that it is another accompanied walk to Emmaus and dinner with the One who makes our hearts burn.
"I have articulately resisted attempts to have myself classified as an 'inspirational writer'. But if I have written about interracial justice, or thermonuclear weapons, it is because these issues are terribly relevant to one great truth: that man is called to live as a child of God. Man must respond to this call to live in peace with all his brothers and sisters in the One Christ."
---
Photos and quote source: The Thomas Merton Center
http://www.merton.org/
4 Comments:
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Great insight, Ilove the way you write...Merry Christmas...
salamat po for taking time and the kind words. what a christmas greeting. its been a while since i posted, a lot is awaiting to be shared. soon, i hope.
maligayang pasko rin :)
Post a Comment
<< Home