A Merton Minute is a regular feature of Toward God, by which we consider some of his writings on various subjects.  Today from his book, Contemplative Prayer, a quote about self denial and prayer.  Merton writes,

We must then control our thoughts and our desires.  We must acquire interior freedom.  This must of course not be misinterpreted.  It does not mean that the Christian should regard the task of making a living in this world as a matter of no significance, Still less that he can resign himself to a condition of social injustice and destitution, or encourage others to do so.  Nor does it mean “contempt” for a visible creation in a Manichean sense, as though sensible and material things were evil.

     It means detachment and freedom with regard to inordinate cares, so that we are able to use the good things of life and able to do without them for the sake of higher ends.  It means the ability to use or to sacrifice all created things in the interests of Love.  In St. Paul’s words: “We have to be pure-minded, enlightened, forgiving and gracious to others; we have to rely on the Holy Spirit, on unaffected love, on the truth of our message, on the power of God.  To the right and to the left we must be armed with innocence, now honored, now slighted, now traduced, now flattered.  They call us deceivers and we tell the truth; unknown and we are freely acknowledged; dying men, and see we live; punished, yes but not doomed to die; sad men that rejoice continually; beggars that bring riches to many; diminished, and the world is ours.” (2 Cor: 6:6-10)

     When I read this quote, I think of Jesus and his example to us.  He lived life, spent time with people, etc.  But his priorities were to do the will of the Father, above all else.  Jesus did not ignore other things, or people, he was just always mindful of the Father.  We too are to live in this balance between heaven and earth, while we sojourn here.

Picture: Thomas Merton