Into the Light: From “Life and Holiness” by the Reverend Thomas Merton (vegetarian), Part 2 of 2

“The ordinary temperance, justice, and charity which every Christian must practice, are sanctifying in the same way as the celibacy and poverty of the nun. It is true that the life of the consecrated religious has a greater dignity and a greater intrinsic perfection. The religious takes on a more radical and more total commitment to love God and his fellow human being. But this must not be understood to mean that the life of the layperson is downgraded to the point of insignificance. On the contrary, we must come to recognize that the married state is also most sanctifying by its very nature, and it may, accidentally, imply sacrifices and a self-forgetfulness that, in particular cases, would be even more effective than the sacrifices of religious life.”

“We are bound to live worthy lives, and our actions should bear witness to our union with Him. He should manifest His presence in us and through us. Though the reminder may make us blush, we have to recognize that these solemn words of Christ are addressed to us: ‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Neither does anyone light a lamp and put it under a measure, but upon the lampstand, so as to give light to all in the house. Even so, let your light shine before humankind, in order that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven’ (Matthew 5:14-16).”

“They therefore taught that the whole of the Christian life was summed up in a service of God which was not only a matter of outward worship, but of ‘cherishing that which is Divine in ourselves by means of unremitting charity.’” “We are supposed to be the light of the world. We are supposed to be a light to ourselves and to others.”

“If we are called by God to holiness of life, and if holiness is beyond our natural power to achieve (which it certainly is) then it follows that God Himself must give us the inner Heavenly Light, the strength, and the courage to fulfill the task He requires of us. He will certainly give us the grace we need. If we do not become saints, it is because we do not avail ourselves of His gift.”