Spirituality and the human
Thomas Merton OCSO was an American Trappist monk, writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist, and scholar of comparative religion. On May 26, 1949, he was ordained to the priesthood and given the name Father Louis. His autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain has inspired millions to seek the interior life.
Pope John Paul II was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 1978 to 2005. He was elected pope by the second Papal conclave of 1978, which was called after Pope John Paul I, who had been elected in August to succeed Pope Paul VI, died after 33 days. He was proclaimed Saint on 27 April 2014 by Pope Francis, with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in attendance.
The December Full Moon comes close to celebration of Christmas and is even closer to the Summer Solstice event in the Southern Hemisphere. It is very rare for a full moon to occur on the same day as the Solstice. Nonetheless, the Solstice Full Moon reflects the Divine Will for all on Earth.
Master, the following question has come to my mind: I have the impression that You often ask and recommend certain actions, but You do not give commands. Why is that so?
You have touched on one of Mysteries of Creation, here.
Because of who I am, my commands get fulfilled instantly. So, there is no need for passing them on paper in a book.
This book is a help for you – a helping hand extended in a way you are able to receive.
In this world God asks you for a turn towards Him, towards His love, because this is the way it was earlier conceived and is being executed. In other words, such a Divine Plan we are implementing now and there is no need to abandon it. Obviously other Plans exist and they have different ways of execution and different realities. Our plan is as it is and this is both good and beautiful. Pressure and commands on my part would disrupt its superb and elaborate construction. And in this Scene I am the one who stays in the shade.
Come and stay in it along with me.
