Benediction

(Thomas Merton - found here)

We have a vocation not to be disturbed by the turmoil and

     wreckage of the great fabric of illusions.
Naturally we must suffer and feel to some extent

     lost in the tempest,
for we cannot be complacently “out” of it.

And yet we are, because of Him who dwells in us.

But precisely in Him and by Him we are deeply

     involved by compassion:

yet compassion is useless without freedom.

I am sure our desire to understand this paradox

     and live in fidelity to it
is the best indication that we can have the grace to do so.

~Thomas Merton