“It is no longer reasonable or right to leave all decisions to a largely anonymous power elite that is driving us all, in our passivity, towards ruin. We have to make ourselves heard. Christians have a grave responsibility to protest clearly and forcibly against trends that lead inevitably to crimes which the Church deplores and condemns. Ambiguity, hesitation and compromise are no longer permissible. War must be abolished. A world government must be established. We have still time to do something about it, but the time is rapidly running out.” (“Passion for Peace”, p. 47)
Exploring contemplative awareness in daily life, drawing from and with much discussion of the writings of Thomas Merton, aka "Father Louie".
Friday, January 26, 2007
time is rapidly running out
I don't like to harp on Merton's strong writing on social justice and responsibilities for resistance because (1) I feel like I'm "preaching", and (2) I strongly feel that Merton's writing on these issues must be contexted within his ground of contemplativeness. However they are integral to understanding Merton. Merton's urgent voice, even these 40 years after his death, is still strong, relevant, and desperately needed.
maybe we lost something by not listening to merton in those days. may we do so now!
ReplyDeleteamen, Paul.
ReplyDeleteMeister Eckhart was under Inquisition, but now great following is there for him.
ReplyDeleteSt.Francis of Assisi is considered the patron saint of Ecology, but Environmentalism is not to be promoted by Christianity loosing a great opportunity.
Recently we hear about the Pennsylvania Report.
Views which are not loud, but breeze-like, are probably not listened to.
As Thomas Merton has said then, may have to be told again by discerning persons.
'...is not seen to be..', I mean.
ReplyDeleteIn this connection the article 'The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis' published in 1973 may need a revisit.
Everything good seems to be available within, but what becomes currency is the opposite!
It is in that respect Thomas Merton and many more like him would have to become visible to the world and enable a turn around. Let us hope!
I think so too, Anbazhagan.
DeleteThe roots of the change that is needed is there. We just have to open our eyes and follow.
I think Pope Francis knows this. He is surely the leader for our times.