Merton's Hundreth Birthday



Thomas Merton, the famous Trappist monk, would have been 100 years old this year. Merton followers are holding celebrations for him throughout the country even though he died in 1968. I have been an admirer of Merton since my early religious life and have read many of his books. His "Seven Storey Mountain" was an early favorite in my romantic period, although I heard its popularity was an embarrassment to him. I found his book "New Seeds of Contemplation" an inspiring introduction to contemplative prayer. He also opened the door to an interest in Eastern religions and social justice issues. Later I was enthralled by his poetry and letters. In all his writing he seems so very human, wise, and transparent. I often pray his prayer:
"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.” (Thoughts in Solitude)

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