If you want to have a spiritual life you must unify your life. A life is either all spiritual or not spiritual at all. No man can serve two masters. Your life is shaped by the end you live for. You are made in the image of what you desire.
To unify your life unify your desires. To spiritualize your life, spiritualize your desires. To spiritualize your desires, desire to be without desire.
To live in the spirit is to live for a God in Whom we believe, but Whom we cannot see. To desire this is therefore to renounce the desire of all that can be seen. To possess Him Who cannot be understood is to renounce all that can be understood. To rest in Him Who is beyond all created rest, we renounce the desire to rest in created things.
Feast Day: December 10
Other posts related to Merton:
Interrupting the Silence 
Thank you so much for this, Father. Love Thomas Merton — this quote really grabbed my heart.
LikeLike
I am glad Merton’s words were helpful. He has been and continues to be a wise and trusted teacher for me.
Peace,
Mike+
LikeLike
Oh, Thomas Merton knew just how to “nail” it! Thank you for sending this message.
Jan Lundy 3036 Capstan Way Colorado Springs, CO 80906
LikeLike