Merton

[joy_of_abigail]

All sin starts from the assumption that my false self, the self that exists only in my egocentric desires, is the fundamental reality of life to which everything else in the life is ordered.
Thomas Merton
When I reached work last night, I was surprised with the welcome presence of my "Secret Santa" gift--various types of dark chocolate, and Seeds of

Comments

[islandboy]

Excellent quote. A profundity that we never drain of personal relevance no matter what stage we are at.

[joy_of_abigail]

So glad.

[iridiscente]

So, are you saying that the quote means when we believe that the world revolves around us and OUR purposes, that's when we begin to sin... because really everything revolves around bringing glory to God? That's what I got from it anyhow.

[joy_of_abigail]

That works. Merton talks a lot about how society is aimed towards a lot of false ends--it glorifies fame, money, power, consumption, and selfishness--so when we get caught up in that false reality, we lose our "true selves" that only God knows. In other words, we miss out on who God really wants us to be--which is the image of His Son.

I suppose it's a bit counter-cultural.

I agree that we must glorify God, but I think it's vital to be sure that glorification focuses as much on serving others in a spirit of love as on the most straightforward act of glorification, which many associate with worship. In my past I focused too much on the vertical and forgot that Christ was always focused on others.

[joy_of_abigail]

Does that make sense? I realized I may not have actually answered your question!

[seekinghim]

Would you mind if I add you to my friends list? I came across your journal via friends-of-friends, and saw that you were also working as a nanny (if your profile is recent!). And then I saw the reference to Thomas Merton, and I knew I had to say hello.
:-)

~Hannah

[joy_of_abigail]

I apologize for taking so long to respond. I am honored by your request, and would love to befriend you!

Your journal layout is lovely, by the way. Thanks for browsing.