Seven Storey Part Three: Chapters 3 & 4

[Susan Margaret]

At the beginning of chapter three Merton is still teaching at St. Bonaventure. He writes that he used to take walks out in the grove that looked toward the hills. In a book that I am reading, “The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton”, the author, Daniel P. Horan, O.F.M., explains that in the area where Merton walked and prayed there is a heart shaped meadow which they have named “Merton’s Heart”. When visitors tour the campus this is always pointed out.

When Merton volunteered to work with Catherine de Hueck in Harlem, it took him a while to figure out that this work was not to be his calling. It appears that Catherine de Hueck had a very interesting life. I am interested in learning more about her.

Merton developed a love for St. Therese of Lisieux. I like the fact that such a complicated and intellectual man fell in love with the simple ways of Therese and that he considered her his friend in heaven. He also asked her to look out after his brother John Paul. I thought the poem that Merton wrote for John Paul was very moving. There were so many tragedies in Merton’s life and he was still a very young man. It is so sad.

Next week (12/18) I will post the final topic for our book discussion, which is the epilogue and final thoughts for our book.

[Mike]

In this section he finally joins; he marks this event with a sentence which has stayed with me for a very long time. “So Brother Matthew locked the gate behind me and I was enclosed in the four walls of my new freedom.”

He had made his decision, he knew where he should be and he admitted it. He was now free to pray, listen and obey. I can feel his liberation come right off the page.

[Susan Margaret]

Mike wrote: "In this section he finally joins; he marks this event with a sentence which has stayed with me for a very long time. “So Brother Matthew locked the gate behind me and I was enclosed in the four wal..."

I also like the remarks at the end of chapter three when Merton meets the Brother at the gate and the Brother asks him if he is here to stay. Merton says "Yes, Brother if you will pray for me" and the brother replies "That's what I've been doing, praying for you".

[Doreen]

This may sound a bit simplistic on my part but what I'm getting from this segment is never underestimate the power of prayer. God is always listening and holding us in His loving embrace.

[Irene]

I wish we had more of his life in the monastery. He makes the transition to monastic life look so easy. But, learning the sign language, the rhythm and expectations, forging relationships had to have been a struggle at times. I would love a diary of these early years. I would also love to have Merton reflect on these years from the vantage of 20 years out. By the 1960s, he was struggling a bit more with his vocation once again. He kept feeling called to the life of the hermit, yet he was also doing more traveling. I have read some of his diaries, from before his arrival at the monastery and from his later years and I appreciate the more raw feelings they contain.

[Susie]

I have finished!
I really enjoyed reading Merton's story and his description of his internal battles was very informative for me. He writes in a wonderfully approachable, readable fashsion.
Love that he loved the 'Little Flower'...

I especially liked the epilogue and his reflections on an active vs contemplative
life, but that's next week!