Bishop Barron on Thomas Merton, Spiritual Master

[@larryleonard7098]

I am a 70 year old, retired Protestant pastor, who is seeking the greatest depths in spirituality that God will take me. In my search I have discovered Bishop Barron. In listening to the messages, talks, etc. I am drawn deeper and deeper into a brotherhood of Christianity that surpasses my denomination, personal bias of youth, and Protestantism itself. The journey is inexplicably joyful. Thank you, Bishop, for the strength of your content, but beyond all content of learning I appreciate your spirit. May God bless you richly.

[@GoodDogBonny]

Beautiful words, thank you for your thoughts.

[@janetouchedupoujol6344]

Fellow seeker. Definitely. There is definately a deeper journey. Praying

[@chrisfindlay5963]

Larry, it is so nice to see words of appreciation from you regarding Bishop Barron. I myself am 67 years old and on my journey to Catholicism. I went to Bethany School of Missions in Minneapolis from 1980-1985 and now live in New Zealand with my wife of 43 years. We both have gone through a tremendous spiritual renewal via our encounter with God in Catholicism. I have been so surprised by how much of what I thought Catholicism taught is false, it is amazing where our blind acceptance of these things can lead to prejudice and bias which through RCIA I am working through. There is no pressure from the Church or the Priests, quite the contrary, a loving acceptance, support, patience, and willingness to let God do his work in my life and just be there to support me if and when I need it. As with you my journey has renewed a joyful spirit within me.

[@msdebra213]

Merton brought so many souls to Christ. He may have been flawed, like the rest of us miserable humans, but I have no doubt he is numbered amongst the saints.

[@jarniwoop]

I left the church decades ago, and studied Buddhism for years. I believe reading Thomas Merton's works led me back, as have Bishop Barron's videos and Sunday sermons. Many thanks.

[@saimmoul]

I am so glad to hear that. Truly welcome back home. I do love Thomas Merton and Bishop Barron as you.

[@philomenadennehy8585]

Thank you for this. I read thomas merton Unfortunately i was very harmed as A child. However i read thomas merton I believe in boarding school. At the time It took me until i was 60 before i could Contemplate christ again I have had great help from the church But today i depend on the church Through the internet Masses every day. Rosery My daughtar does not want to go To mass. My granson joseph loves Church.. he is autistic. I have a very good friend who i help Who goes to church. I am in contact With her. She is recovering from long Covid. Nearly died. She is slowly Recovering. Thank god

[@Shevock]

Merton's contemplative insights still bear fruit, 53 years after his passing.

[@thachthuanhoa]

💜

[@keepitminty1990]

My uncle is actually a monk down at the Abby of Gethsenami. Pray for them. They're going through some current hardships.

[@almagore1]

Ethan Coggeshall Thank you for that information. I will pray for them.

[@limrosemary8536]

what happened ?

[@Herberberber]

@GrilledCheezeSammich oh so edgy! Pathetic

[@sedumplant]

@GrilledCheezeSammich You are disgusting!

[@michaelbrickley2443]

Trials are the fires that purify the mettle of the saints

[@eeneemeenee6236]

Thank you Bishop, for a very level-minded and insightful sharing about Fr. Thomas Merton. - 24yr-old Catholic

[@almagore1]

I am 77 y/o and a confirmed Catholic Christian. Dear Robert, thank you so much for this video. In my 20's I was in a Catholic contemplative group that heavily explored the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi. I read many of Thomas Merton's books at that time. I also e4xperienced what Thomas Merton experienced in France where he saw God in everything and shining through everything. This video of yours helps clarify many things for me. Thank you very much.

[@paulinewoods375]

I'm in the middle of trying to write a book review ( as part of a course that I'm doing). The book is "New Seeds of Contemplation" . To be honest, I am finding it pretty tough going, it's like double dutch to me, way over my head. 😂😂

[@mapaz555]

Thomas Merton is probably one of the most important people in my life, just from what he meant to me getting to Know God. How could I repay him, I get tears in my eyes thinking about it. I remember God’s hand guiding me by the hand through every experience, to The Cloud of Unknowing, and then to Thomas Merton’s books. I thank him and God, My Love. What a gift, to be able to get a Catholic girl to know God through your guiding writing and experience. What a time, I remember it dearly. He deserves to be a saint just from that, for the miracle of the amount of souls he guided into God. Our Father has used him as an Instrument of his Love. And still does and forever will.

[@davidmckenzie2952]

Amen!

[@PreppedNReady]

I left the church in my late teens, had a checkered following 10 yrs or so. Merton, brought me back, I read him every day, new seeds of contemplation literally is falling apart in my hands I’ve read it so much. I listen to him talk on KZbin, they have some recordings in his own voice and it brings tears to my eyes.

[@TownsendHamilton]

Seeds of contemplation has affirmed so many spiritual realities in my soul . God bless Merton and the Holy Spirit .

[@kiutpi]

Yes! Thank you Bishop Barron 🙏 for talking about the importance of contemplation in the Catholic tradition.

[@gorhamcj1]

We all have sinned and struggled with sin. He was very human and yet very spiritual. I would think a great leader of the faith. I will read more about him. Thanks Bishop Barron.

[@kayfarquar2034]

How wonderful that Bishop Barron made this video to speak about Merton and offer good explanations, as the Bishop always does. I needed to hear this today. Many thanks.

[@datinchristievengadesan6636]

The seven storey mountain held a great fascination for me, engaged my thoughts and feelings as I read the story of Thomas Merton's conversion...great writing, it influenced me for many years. Immense love of God.

[@Kwesi6486]

Thomas Merton thanks for being human and letting God do God's creative work in you. I hope to get to know you better through your work.

[@WilliamLetzkus]

Fr. Merton was a wonderful priest, and someone who wrote with the knowledge of direct experience of the spiritual life!!

[@jerrytaylor8662]

Thank you Bishop ... lol ... 6 years later for this excellent insight into Thomas Merton .... I have read 7 Story and just now due to your advice I bought The Signs of Jonas ... pretty cheap on Kindle!!! We love you Bishop and thank God for you every day!! Jerry

[@beingfrank40]

I love his writtings-extremely useful and conforting to me, always!

[@BernadetteGaughan]

Thomas Merton has helped me so much during the last 50 years of my life before and after becoming a Monastic myself Thanks

[@PopeEdward]

Thank you Bishop, beautiful, concise, honest and interesting video essay. I like Merton all the more now. I am so glad I watched this because I was unclear about his priesthood and monastic life. You did him great homage. I prayed for his soul and ask for his intercession in my prayer life. God bless you. Keep up the great work.

[@hadamerryweather577]

New Seeds of Contemplatoon and No Man is an Island were the two Merton books that shifted my spirituality and anchored me in my Catholic Faith forever.

[@anad7684]

Fr. B -- thank you for your honest commentary! Merton is an important Catholic figure who contributed greatly not just to the church but our society. Merton’s writings are relevant as ever, our country still continues to struggle with race, consumerism, social injustice and one's attempt at maintaining faith amid the topsy-turvy relativistic world.

[@grandlotus1]

We love you, Bishop Barron! Your charism is a great blessing for us all.

[@Miriana727]

Thank you, Bishop Robert Barron. THE SEVEN STOREY MOUNTAIN was very important in my spiritual development as well. I think it is important to view the later Merton in a historical background. At that time, many were interested in Eastern Religions. Also, the Catholic Church was going through a "liberal" period which may have "confused" Merton in his relationship with the young nurse. But Merton was a great spiritual writer, and I am sure he was on the right path at the end of his life. RIP Thomas Merton.

[@PreppedNReady]

Thank you thank you Bishop Barron! Merton brought me back to the Catholic church. His deeply rooted faith and understanding, his sometimes seemingly harsh reality check and insight that made you feel stripped and exposed. It was everything I needed. New seeds of contemplation has a place on my nightstand right next to the holy bible and has for years.

[@elke4646]

The fact that Merton, had an infatuation with a nurse, in my view is a point to him. Let me explain. When one is so in love with God there can come a time when one sees so many aspects of God shining through another person that yes, infatuation may occur. NOT as replacement for the primary Love affair with God, but as something born OUT of it. Think of a loving mother with her newborn child (I speak from experience). The mother is COMPLETELY overwhelmed with a mad infatuation with her baby. Every tiny thing the baby does is adorable, marvelous even! She is totally focused on her baby and they form a bond which is the deepest possible in human experience. The mother is truly, madly, deeply in love with her baby. I think this springs from the same place within the mother where she meets God. God is present in this relationship. So too, it can be when someone, like Merton is struck by love for another human. That fact that he passed through this phase with the nurse, without "shutting down" his feelings but making choices tells me that he was fully human. What a rich experience and not a sin or "missing the mark" in my view.

[@ironymatt]

Another aspect that occurred to me was a parallel to the relationship between king David and Abishag his nursemaid when he was advanced in years, which was described as non sexual.

[@joydurham5437]

I also agree that it’s petty to cancel Merton over this. The man was 51, ill in the hospital, single. Had he not been a monk and priest no one would think twice if he developed a crush on his nurse. We would laugh it off and not be surprised. I imagine his friends would tease him and bring it up years later after a few drinks to make him blush, but no one would act like he was caught up in sin because of it.

[@victoriadriscoll3890]

Brilliant Bishop Barron, Thomas Merton a great priest and catholic writer. Amen 🙏🙏

[@keriford54]

Thank you, you inspired me to read the Seven Story Mountain, a wonderful book.

[@ProBikersForLife]

Did not really know Thomas Merton until just now... Thank You Bishop Barron. WOW! Doing a Thanksgiving Pro bikers For Life post loved this quote... “To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything.” Very much St. Frances of Assisi... Being a Third Order Franciscan. "I want to use this quote but have know idea who Thomas Merton is. I've heard the name but?" This really made my Thanksgiving Day. God is good!!! Now the Detroit Lions most beat Green Bay Packers today!

[@Donna-cc1kt]

To love all - but none too much. He appears as a highly disciplined man.

[@catherinegiuliano8573]

The Seven Story Mountain is one of my favourite Catholic autobiographies. It had a huge influence on me and I really enjoyed this talk. Thank you so much 😊🙏🏻

[@RavenMadd9]

thank you father,,,,I love his work

[@ponzianomanning3071]

If Thomas wasn't a saint, I think he most certainly must have been close. His profound love for God comes through in his many writings, which continue to impact people as much today as when he was a monk; catholics and non catholics. Its that deep, rich love for God that makes us saints.

[@joekerr804]

Thank you for your perspective and comments, particularly about Merton's exploration of Zen and other Asian religions. They are a very helpful guide when exploring Merton and growing in my faith and understanding.

[@pamsaparamadu5522]

Thanks for doing justice to this great person who opened a different path for us to get deeply connected to our creator who is universal. Ever loving God reveal to all his creatures with no boundaries and Thomas Merton had seen it in Buddhism, the basis of which is '' maithee' or universal love. He had been unfairly dealt with for being too open about it and being truthful of his feelings. In his writings he had stressed the centrality of Holy Eucharist in Christian life, so he had never misled anybody. By this posting you have done a Christian duty Fr. Barron. May God bless you!

[@freelyexpressed2212]

It looks like to become a spiritual master one has to go through tests and confusions of human moral life and sometimes one may fail. But the good thing is we have people like Fr. Barron to sort out our confusions.

[@nickowchar2001]

Merton did so much in pointing out the common ground among the world's faith traditions. If more Catholics and Protestants read him, and actually understood him, maybe they'd stop criticizing each other so damn much

[@MichaelPaul-TheVisitor]

Fr Louis was far more influential in my life that I realized...until later in life. Right now, I'm typing on an old desk of Nun "Lucy" that was given to me. Lucy and I never met, but she had heard of my interest in Merton, although I could never explain it myself. Since then, I've actually published a novelette that acknowledges the influence of TM. I still don't understand my interest/infatuation with Thomas Merton, but yet...here I am still learning. Thanks for this video.

[@GerardOHemmerle]

Thanks for your heartfelt clarity and tribute to one of my favorite spiritual writers. "le point vierge"!

[@thegorn68]

Such an influence for so many. He left us too soon. Thanks for the great commentary Father.

[@1900trent]

fascinating insights into the man and monk Fr Louis....thanks bishop

[@sttommore]

Give it a few years. Not every Saint can be a St. John Paul II, canonized within a decade of their death. The notion of a monastic in these modern times has yet to bear fruit, but it surely will. Modern man has need of Fr. Merton's perspective; and modern Catholic men are desperate for it. No sin condemned any Saint, they sinned, but they overcame. Saints were flawed, I think we fail to keep that in perspective, but heroic faith is common to all of them. Merton's insights may yet prove heroic, even as this age progresses.

[@kevinroque5374]

I was thinking exactly the same thing. Let's just hope and pray that Merton will soon be under God's belt of saints. "There are saints in my church, but that just means that they are people who know that they are sinners." -G.K. Chesterton (Who is also a potential saint by the way, haha.)

[@jeffstumpf9129]

There are saints known, and saints unknown. Only God knows them all. Don't worry about it.

[@WordBearer86]

Saint Moses makes a good example of the this.

[@briandelaney9710]

Some don’t like him who are coming from a more “right wing “ perspective for lack of a better term

[@jgil1966]

Thank you! we tend to forget this.

[@tomaszzurek6078]

For a Catholic bishop you are a nice bloke... good to listen... ;) Thank you.

[@KerriBarkley]

Thank you for shining a light on the life of Thomas Merton. I'd been reticent to read his writings because there's a local organization bearing his name that does social justice work but strays well outside of the bounds of Catholic morality, causing me to assume that Fr. Merton would have sanctioned their actions. But now I'll definitely have to read Seven Storey Mountain.

[@nelsonlaws5137]

Thanks. Facts must count. Thomas Merton was a good person. He did not do harm to humans.

[@phillipbrock9967]

Thank you for this. I have been re-reading my way through “The Seven Storey Mountain” and “No Man is an Island” during Lent. I love Father M. Louis just shy of idolatry. I am a devout member of the Anglican Communion, about which the good father had NOTHING good to say, but I love him nonetheless!

[@jerriharvey4641]

Thank you so much for honoring who he was…..♥️🙏♥️

[@MartinSmithMFM]

Bishop Barron, seeing 'Zen and the Birds of Appetite' on the shelf of an American translator in the Latin Quarter brought me back to the church... So it was cool to be Christian! That was in 1977. I am 60 now.

[@moniquevamado]

There's no one like Thomas Merton. He understood life in a way few do. So grateful for his life, his honesty, his profound realness. He was a deeply courageous man, most likely killed for daring to speak out about Vietnam.

[@thachthuanhoa]

I am a Khmer living in Vietnam. Thomas Merton's Contemplations have had a profound impact on my life.

[@gusriley9785]

Bishop Barron, - Merton's dialogue with Zen & other spiritual traditions in my view went even deep, at least to myself. I had the privilege of getting to know Fr Bill SJ a little. So sad that Fr Johnston who was to meet Merton in Thailand (though they had met at Kentucky) didn't manage to, due to Merton's untimely death. RIP FR Bill & Thomas Merton - Peace, Gus

[@TheWanderingtree]

Thank you, Father, for this meditation on Merton. I come back to the wise words of Lewis who said “How monotonously alike all the great tyrants and conquerors have been; how gloriously different are the saints," for I have fallen into this same trap of "dividing" the saints by refusing to read one or the other for my so-called "pure" reading of orthodox faith. This meditation jolts me out of that, to recognize the diverse streams into which God pours His knowledge and wisdom.

[@weskobernick5419]

In a documentary on Merton's life, the Dalai Lama praises Merton as one of HIS great mentors...something like his second greatest influence. When I heard that, I was stunned. Such a beautiful sentiment that the Dalai Lama would hold Merton with such high regard.

[@MartinSmithMFM]

And incidentally, when in the amazing French chapter of the book he writes about 'the wood smoke of the Midi' we see that we have not just a spiritual, but a literary master on our hands...

[@MaryTodd-f5b]

I discovered Thomas Merton when I was in college in the 80's. I hated his writings at first but by October I was quoting him. I cherish all he has written. He was not perfect but he was so wise.

[@missionariesOME33]

Thank you Bishop Barron, I always appreciate your input on different subjects. This one was helpful as well :).

[@DanielFernandez-jv7jx]

I believe that what Merton discovered within some forms of Buddhism were some profoundly developed forms of apophatic prayer, particularly in the meditation practices of Chan, Zen and the classical satipatthana practice of Theravada Buddhism.

[@8pprentice]

You can travel out to explore the horizons If you are sure that your home is safe. When your home is in danger you stay there to protect it.

[@MaGuFer]

Very profound. Thanks.

[@locuyennguyen2538]

thank you father for sharing your thoughts on Thomas Merton, and more importantly to clear up about the affair and his interest in eastern religion. His writing changed my life too!

[@rachealbrimberry8918]

I am slowly making my way through this book. The first part was easy to read, but I got bogged down in the middle of the book. It's getting a little better. I'm especially intrigued by his relationship with a Hindu monk who recommended that Merton read 2 books he liked, Confessions and Imitation of Christ.

[@sedumplant]

"o No, Father, " and he said, "Are you in a state of grace? Because that is what it means, to be a saint." So in that sense, Merton certainly was a saint. Will he be elevated to Sainthood? Maybe not, but he was a saint. Thank you, Bishop, for this video.

[@almagore1]

Dear Father Barron, thank you so much for this video. I am a Catholic who is 72 y/o and started reading Thomas Merton's books in the 1960's. He was extremely helpful to me. I became a contemplative monk in an unofficial Catholic group but that was associated with the Carmelite Monastery at Holy Hill Wisconsin. There was a Carmelite monk who was a liaison between the monks there and us. I lived full time with this group and practiced poverty, chastity, and obedience to my superior for 2 years. It was a difficult time but it was the best time of my life and I am extremely grateful to God for leading me to this group and having this experience in my life. As I'm sure you know but in case others are interested, Thomas Merton was Novice Master for at least a year and his talks to the young men who wanted to become Trappest monks were recorded and can be bought from Credence Cassettes and are not very expensive. If anyone has read Henri Nouwen; Nouwen said that Thomas Merton was the Spiritual Master of the 20th Century. I was not a saint either and certainly I am not a saint now but I also realized that Contemplative prayer and the experience of Contemplation is open to anyone. In fact it is the reason that God created us: To know God experientially and be known by Him; to love God and to be loved by Him. That is certainly at least one of the reasons if not the reason that when Jesus was asked what was the most important Commandment He quoted Deuteronomy 6:4,5 ,which says in the Hebrew, "Hear O Israel: "Yahweh our God, Yahweh is One. Thou shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." Thank you again Father Barron.

[@elke4646]

Yes!!!!!!

[@spg77777]

Contemplation is not something one does... it is a gift that one receives by being disposed to receive it. It is a "cloud of unknowing." About the best you can do is suspect that something HAS been happening, but to be actually conscious OF its happening is not possible.

[@thekingslady1]

Exactly!

[@vic38290]

With my very limited English I tried to read his Seven Storey Mountain when I was in my twenties. Yes I still remembered some of his spiritual journey to Catholicism but I know it was inadequate because of my linguistic limitations. But I know that he was an intelledtual giant.

[@JulieMStaab]

Wonderful. I have only one T. Merton book ~ *No Man Is an Island* So I cannot speak to a lot of his work. It sounds to me like he could (and should) be a great bridge to walk over for anyone who has fell into modern trendy zen spirituality. Good to know his work can be helpful. As far his personal challenges, Priests/Monks are human. Working out our salvation is what we are all doing regardless. Religious, consecrated and ordained can take his story to heart.

[@Denis-tg6jw]

Julie M. Staab volume

[@sterlingwalter6225]

A Judicious appraisal, thank you.

[@candiceazzara8877]

I appreciate your knowledge about Thomas Merton.

[@PreppedNReady]

New seeds of contemplation sits next to my bible.

[@axkirby]

By God's grace he indeed will be a saint

[@ptraynor]

Thanks Father, I needed that.

[@WarriorKnitter]

Based on something you said in a more recent video, I checked out a copy of Merton's "The Seven Storey Mountain" from the library. I am enjoying it and look forward to reading some of his other books. Thank you for the recommendation.

[@nicksibly526]

Reading it now. Loving it.

[@bigkill1]

I highly recommend "The Seven Mountains of Thomas Merton", a biography by Michael Mott over Merton's own autobiography. If you want to read Merton, I suggest "Seeds of Contemplation" and "Life and Holiness" which is my go-to book for retreats. Check them out!

[@gilcostello3316]

Merton was a man on the road to sainthood until Satan distracted him into a sexually obsessed relationship with a woman. And, an admirer of Merton, it was painful to watch, most especially his written justifications for remaining in this obsession. And having a depth-understanding of what Merton went through, I'm certain he is in heaven, because he did repent and remained a priest. The basic reason I could no longer indulge his spiritual writings was/is how Merton dealt with his existential war with the demonic during that year of “romance”, to witness how powerful demonic forces can be, and how his fall served to dampen my sense of being able to arrive at a contemplative life when this spiritual and literary genius who loved God so dearly could be defeated over such a long period of time. This is how I concluded that Satan is always 37 steps ahead of us in the chess game of life. In other words, Merton's fall became a discouragement. I had no problem with Merton’s indulgence in Zen. It in no way discouraged me to continue on my path to going deeper into the life of Christ. Indeed, one of my favorite spiritual books of all time, what deeply impacted my life in a totally positive way, was Dom Aelred Graham’s book, Zen Catholicism, a book I highly recommend because it reveals more than any book I’ve ever read how God loves and inspires all his children, even the ones who are not yet aware they are part of God’s family, and once aware, they can return home. A man I consider the most corrupt priest in the Catholic Church today is Fr. James Martin who has been licensed by the Vatican to go out into the world and destroy children’s lives by imposing and affirming Satan’s sexual identities, which, by the way, is the best impediment to arriving at a contemplative life. And that he uses elements of Merton’s fall to keep children on a path to embracing one of Satan’s assigned sexual identities is instructive. What other contemplative could he use? I can’t think of one, and why Merton’s fall is the only thing Martin is concerned with, what he doesn’t see as a fall at all, but just another path to becoming one with a God who imposes destructive sexual identities on babies in their mothers’ wombs. That is not our Christian God. Merton, to my mind, is in heaven because it seems he did come out the other side of Satan’s war with his soul. And this is the point: Merton stayed close to God in his battle with the demonic, whereas Martin crossed over into Satan’s camp.

[@bhuntfl]

I'm a LOT!! Older than Barron, but I too was introduced to Merton as a 15ish kid. I knew the nurse and Zen stories. I "frequented" the nearest monastery-- St. Joseph's Abby. Had I been a priest-- or brother( a vocation that never gets attention) , I would have been a Trappist. Why? I don't know.

[@UTEXTRACK]

I highly recommend “A Year With Thomas Merton: Daily Meditations from His Journals.”

[@marlenehartley7742]

Great explanation of contemplation. Thank you.

[@markballantyne393]

Merton understood something most of us don't.

[@denisniedringhaus236]

Excellent video! It has made me want to read more than just "The Seven Story Mountain".

[@BipedalP314]

Thomas Merton is, in my opinion, the most relatable Catholic spiritual writer. I'm not sure if I could have transitioned into other Catholic writings if I hadn't first read The Seven Storey Mountain.

[@Ahoj4U]

Thank you for this. Very well stated. The only exception is that I don't think we can say he was probably not a saint. As you point out, he had crisis, but which saints haven't? Moreover, he came through his crisis. That in itself is saintly. But you are absolutely correct about his faithfulness to his vows and his order. In fact, he had his order's permission for his trip to Asia. It is highly unlikely he would have ever taken the journey without it.

[@exaudi33]

I found that comment jarring as well. I thought that a saint was a sinner who never stopped trying.

[@bobbymarcum772]

I hope I will never be arrogant enough to condemn a man who, being a celibate monk, is confined to a hospital bed and suffers the personal care of a lovely young woman, and manages to remain a celibate monk whilst being honest in his yielding to a non physical relationship with her, the woman with whom he involuntarily, at first anyway, shared his vulnerable and intimate situation with over an extended period. At least it was a woman, and not a man or even worse, a child or a man. To prevent others from benefitting from Merton through a criticism of his shortcomings in living up to doctrines one does not like, believe , or even understand is the utter height of hypocrisy and a very common hindrance to the spreading of the gospel. Flippant critics such as those, e.g. The new atheist types, must be judiciously crushed (metaphorically) for they do not take the subject seriously enough to merit our own seriousness.

[@Whocares792]

I have been listening to his lecture series on Marxism. Merton is one of the best teachers I have ever heard. His perspective catches much weight in today’s landscape. One day I’ll die and meet my family who has gotten up there before myself, and I shall be happy to see them, but Merton may be the first I seek out once I get up to heaven. His observations are practical as well as spiritual, a difficult synthesis in the 20th/21st century, in which he does with ease.

[@anneruthbarrett3224]

Love the Sign of Jonas!

[@chessgeek10707]

I guess I would credit you for taking up "The Seven Storey Mountain". A quote early in this autobiography moved me: "It is a law of man's nature, written into his very essence, and just as much a part of him as the desire to build houses and cultivate the land and marry and have children and read books and sing songs, that he should want to stand together with other men in order to acknowledge their common dependence on God, their Father and Creator. In fact, this desire is much more fundamental than any purely physical necessity" (page 15). In many of your videos, you say, "We are wired for God." I know now where you're coming from.

[@johnjumper7066]

I knew a priest who knew Merton. He described him as a man who used the church for his own purposes. He was a great writer, but desired fame. He ultimately said that while he was an interesting person at a distance he was a complex and unhappy person. He ultimately told me that he thought that Merton was an ass. I was shocked by what he told me about Merton. I sensed he was trying to get me to be interested in someone else rather Merton. He said Merton was about maintaining an image of a contemplative monk but how he spend the day was far from it. I just thought it was fascinating. This priest was a very old school traditionalist. He had many holy relics in his position. He never spoke ill of anyone except the one day he spoke to me about Merton.

[@elke4646]

Interesting. The priest that spoke to you like this sounded as if he had some bitterness about Merton. Did you know that recently Mother Teresa's diaries have been published and astonishingly, SHE revealed that she herself was an unhappy person who was depressed. Not that is anything to judge her on except that her public persona was much different than her inner life. In her diaries she spoke about her spiritual dryness, how she could never (at least for an 18 year stretch) could feel God's presence or love. Some would say that the fact that she went through such spiritual dryness yet kept the Faith is, in itself heroic. I think that could be true. Think of all of the goodness she inspired in others. My point obviously, is that Merton, being unhappy does not preclude his love and devotion to God. Arrogance pretty much always springs from unhappiness, don't you think?

[@JimdalfTheOrange]

Fr. Barron, I'd love to hear your comments on Thomas a Kempis

[@danielshannon8831]

Dear Bishop Barron, Thank you for your work at word on fire. Although you dont know me you have done a great deal for me. After ten years of absence from the church I am going back to mass now in part thanks you your efforts by the grace of God.Yet I would ask you this of you if i may, to decipher for me the prayer Thomas Merton wrote for his brother at the end of the seven story mountain. I long to have a deeper understanding of Catholicism. Thank you and may God continue to guide you.

[@dynamic9016]

Really appreciate this video.

[@mapaz555]

I understand perfectly why the interest for Buddhist and Zen. In my journey, God asked to pay attention first to meditation teachings, it’s easier to start, since Catholicism doesn’t know how to teach contemplation. For someone who isn’t a monk or a sister, just a regular Catholic girl. It’s easier to get a master in meditation to teach you how to go deep inside, it’s like taking an elevator into the nothingness very deep inside. It’s not easy to learn how to go in and stay in and look inside, search and call for Our Father with our heart and eyes. It’s an adventure that makes it more real than anything else in our worlds.

[@angelastrong6192]

I include fr. louis in my daily prayers and ask for his intercession.

[@sedumplant]

So glad to have seen this video. No one is perfect but as my theology professor told our class in freshman year of college, back in 1956 (!) __if we are in a state of grace, free from mortal sin, we ARE saints. So I have no doubt that Merton was and is as much a saint as others canonized by the Church. Maybe we can distinguish between those the Church has officially elevated to sainthood and those yet to be recognized in this special way but free from serious sin and yearning to be close to God?

[@davidmceachern2313]

Thomas Murton is one of the wisest contemplation of man ,Created by God

[@BrianSullivanopus125]

I would suggest Merton was a saint by virtue of facing up too and struggling with his near lapse into sin. I believe he became a greater example, and more sympathetic person as a result.

[@DawnLapka]

I felt that same way about Deacon Black Elk from Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in SD. His writings are very poetic. I think of St Francis of Assissi when I read Black Elk's works.

[@fredfarmer5952]

Fr. Merton resonates with this Black protestant too. He... like the Catholic Church, needed to grow, and he did. The church? Not so much. The ugly sin of Racism was in Merton, but how could it not have been for he was a man of his time. He grew beyond it.... (as Ken Wilber discusses the Four Stages of Human Development.) Catholics have much to offer the world... but your feet is still mired in the cement of the Papal Bull that brought African Slavery into existence and along with entitled greed, still mires... colors, the steps of your great cathedrals with the red blood of millions. I hope you will one day cleanse it. It doesn't seem Catholics even see it there...

[@Whocares792]

Hey Fred, love this comment, there is an excellent series of Merton on Marxism where he mentions when he talks about exactly what your comment is on. It is in passing, but like many of Merton’s work, provides insight. I listened to it on Apple Books : “Thomas Merton on Marxism: Chapter 5”. It was in audiobook format, but his gift of perspective back then speaks volumes of today’s climate. I wish you the best in your congregation, and God bless you new insight in your studies.

[@iktomi5]

Great piece enjoyed over lunch

[@partypete007]

thank you

[@mwidunn]

05:45 - Very elucidating . . . not about Merton, but about Bp. Barron and what he is willing to overlook and even (to some extent) defend.

[@robertjarman4261]

Definitely.My esteem of the bishop has severely diminished!

[@mwidunn]

@@robertjarman4261 Watch the good Bishop fumble his way through enunciating Catholic teaching about homosexuality and "gay marriage": kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIvWq5SAYqmGfsU. Remember the scripture: "Put not your trust in princes, in men who cannot save!" (Ps. 146:3).

[@GeertMeertens]

When you are saying that someone is a flawed person, 8:58, you are communicating that you still lack understanding.

[@almagore1]

What? We are all sinners.

[@joanmaciel416]

@@almagore1 yes because by merely being human..we are flawed..no reason to point it out.

[@eamonbreathnach4613]

I always thought that a saint was someone who was fully alive and fully human as was Thomas Merton