Modern man believes he is fruitful and productive when his ego is aggressively affirmed, when he is visibly active, and when his action produces obvious results.
Thomas MertonTo find love I must enter into the sanctuary where it is hidden, which is the mystery of God.
Thomas MertonWe do not want to be beginners. But let us be convinced of the fact that we will never be anything else but beginners, all our life!
Thomas MertonOnce you have grace," I said to him, "you are free. Without it, you cannot help doing the things you know you should not do, and that you know you don't really want to do. But once you have grace, you are free. When you are baptized, there is no power in existence that can force you to commit a sin-nothing that will be able to drive you to it against your own conscience. And if you merely will it, you will be free forever, because the strength will be given you, as much as you need, and as often as you ask, and as soon as you ask, and generally long before you ask for it, too.
Thomas Merton