Since June 6, I have read a lot of spiritual books, but none has touched me more than the work of Thomas Merton. A Franciscan Friar I am friendly with at Saint Peter's in the Loop introduced me to Thomas Merton a couple of years ago. In a documentary entitled Merton: A Film Biography, one of the interviewees said when a person reads a work of Thomas Merton that person will become addicted. I second that.
Like me, Father Louis (Merton's religious name) grew up in a secular household and environment. Like me, he knew from childhood that he wanted to become a writer. Like me, Merton committed acts in his childhood and young adulthood that shamed him. And like me, God always haunted him.
Merton's writing would be welcome to any person no matter his or her spiritual leanings or lack thereof. So far I have read The Seven Storey Mountain, No Man Is an Island, and a collection of his work on writing taken from his books, essays, journals, and letters entitled Echoing Silence.
Merton's writing and spirituality matured from TSSM. Perhaps the biggest lesson I have learned and am working to ingrain within me is being silent. This helps writing and, of course, becoming closer to God.
Posts
4 comments:
Laura,
I am an artist and saw your interview on Fractured Atlas. I am intrigued because I also have been greatly influenced by franciscans, Thomas Merton, Teresa of Avila and the mysticism and spirituality of the Roman catholic Church. I have been working to explore these influences in my drawings and paintings. I look forward to reading more about your work.
Laura,
How do I subscribe to your blog?
beth vendryes williams
Hi, Beth,
Thank you for your interest. Welcome. I hope to read more from you.
Isn't the Church ripe for art? I was confirmed in the Church late (age 27) though I had been baptized as an infant and chose Teresa as my confirmation name because she was a writer, poet, and a woman who spoke her mind.
I love Franciscan spirituality: animals, nature--can't go wrong.
I think there should be a link where you can subscribe. As you see, it has been awhile since I have been on my blog, but I do plan to update it. I know Blogger has made some changes. As soon as I know, I will let you know.
Best, Laura
Beth,
I added a "Followers" gadget. I think if you click on that you can subscribe/follow my blog.
Cheers! Laura
Post a Comment