Advent Day 23: Revise or censor?
December 23, 2015
Advent Day 25: Merry Christmas
December 25, 2015Today’s words come from Thomas Merton’s essay, “The Time of No Room” from 1965. It’s included in his books Raids on the Unspeakable, as well as A Thomas Merton Reader.
In “The Time of No Room” Thomas Merton reflects: “Into this world, this demented inn, in which there is absolutely no room for him at all, Christ has come uninvited. But because he cannot be at home in it—because he is out of place in it, and yet must be in it—his place is with those others who do not belong, who are rejected because they are regarded as weak; and with those who are discredited, who are denied the status of persons, and are tortured, exterminated. With those for whom there is no room, Christ is present in the world.”
It’s a short essay, and still relevant and timely today. 1965/2015. So many parallels. My Christmas dream centers in on the work that we all must still do to create a world where everyone feels like they belong, regardless of race, creed, gender, class or other label.
This is my Christmas Eve meditation as I drive the 521.4 miles from Cheshire, MA to Hudson, OH for Christmas. Where is my place in this world? How do I use my gifts to make it better? Let us dream together how we can make a home for everyone, including ourselves in this demented world of ours.
2 Comments
Thank you for the very relevant quote of Thomas Merton.
When I first taught at St. Bonaventure University, I used to be able to look just outside of my studio window and see “Merton’s Heart.” It was a naturally occurring heart-shaped space carved into the mountain side trees where Merton would go to pray and mediate during the few years he resided at Bonas. Since then, the view has been obscured to most on campus due to the new multimillion dollar Business School building. Strangely symbolic. Anyway, I wish you a safe journey to Ohio. I recall so many car trips back to Hudson for the holidays when my mother was still living. Drive safely, Melanie. I am sending warmest wishes your way for Christmas ~
[…] speaks volumes to me, especially when considering Thomas Merton’s words that I shared yesterday. I know some of you who read this blog are not religious–but regardless of your creed, to me […]