Merton & Lent

The Lenten season always seems to drive me back to my good friend Thomas Merton. Maybe its the deep introspection and contemplation of the mysteries of life and God. Merton did write a book called New Seeds of Contemplation, so it seems only fitting.

Here are a couple of quotes that I love from New Seeds that really strike me, especially during this time of year:

Our vocation is not simply to be, but to work together with God in the creation of our own life, our own identity, our own destiny. We are free beings and sons [and daughters] of God. This means to say that we should not passively exist, but actively participate in His creative freedom, in our lives, and in the lives of others, by choosing the truth. To put it better, we are even called to share with God the work of creating the truth of our identity. (32)

Be content that you are not yet a saint, even though you realize that the only thing worth living for is sanctity. Then you will be satisfied to let God lead you to sanctity by paths that you cannot understand. (59-60)