“We find God in our own being which is a mirror of God. But how do we find our own being? Actions are the doors and windows of being. Unless we act we have no way of knowing what we are.” Thomas Merton
During Lent (& all year through if we’re being serious about our faith) Jesus asks us to be His hands and feet – His love (& peace & grace & mercy) – in our whacked out world.
For God’s glory (not ours), so that’s when it might be good to ask for a little holy humility.
Thomas Merton also said: “Humility is a virtue, not a neurosis.”
grace, peace & Lenten humility
Virginia : )
Roses in the Rubble 
Pingback: #Lent: Knowing, Being, Doing (& humility) — Roses in the Rubble | paddypicasso
Doing Jesus’s work in our world today is a lofty aim, huh, Virginia?!
Sure is lofty, Debbie -especially given how whacked out our world currently is! But being His hands & feet throughout history was no cakewalk either. Blessings! 🙏🌍🙏
What I love about Thomas Merton’s quotes is that he actually quoted from a vast, well-traveled (for his time) experience. He was a deep guy, and often got really silent, and just listened. He often went to the dark recesses of the world, and saw. He also did the work, frequently humbling himself to the max to pull it off. Whenever I hear his name spoken or read about him, an interesting feeling comes over me, and just like that…I’m caught up!
Thanks Sparkyjen- I’ve been a Thomas Merton groupie for eons. If you haven’t read his “Seven Story Mountain”, I highly recommend it (along with many others he wrote about prayer, contemplation & social action.) So blessed in my early 20s to make my 1st week-long silent retreat @ Gethsemane Abbey in KY where he was a monk. Peace! 🌟🙏🌟
Thanks Virginia. I may check it out. Once upon a few years ago, I too visited the KY Abbey. I was attending a meditation retreat elsewhere, and our guy treated us to a tour of the place, heralding Thomas Merton. What I personally remember most was Merton’s hermitage site.
This is where he contemplated, reflected, and wrote some of his works, maybe even “Seven Story Mountain.” There’s something very saintly about Merton. I feel it every time I hear his name. Wow!✨✨✨
What an opportunity for you to visit Gethsemane, too. I started reading Merton’s books in my 20s & continue reading them today (many moons later.) His writing is still so relevant contemplative-wise & community-wise vis a viv social justice & action. Blessings Sparkyjen from one Merton groupie to another! ✨📚✨
Actions are the doors and windows … what a beautiful analogy . Do find time to read mine on the same topic here https://sunniesmybunnies.wordpress.com/2019/04/11/thought-of-the-night-5/
Actions are doors & windows to our hearts (altho sometimes we may need to think a little more before we do!) Thanks for the link to your post – blessings! 🌷😎🌷
Great 🙂 🌼🌼