Here we hear how this illusory self is what we know as sin - Merton continues.
We are not very good at recognizing illusions, least of all the ones we cherish about ourselves - the ones we are born with and which feed the roots of sin. For most of the people in the world, there is no greater subjective reality than this false self of theirs, which cannot exist. A. life devoted to the cult of this shadow is what is called a life of sin.
Remember that we are blessed to be a people meant for community. It is only within the circle of others that we are given a picture of ourselves that is not based on the cherished illusions of ourselves. We are, as Merton notes, not good at recognizing illusions. How can we be!?! The illusions are the things of our creating...the face...the facade...the make-up that covers blemishes and attempts to transform us from who we are by grace - into who we want to become according to our own storyline. The pursuit of such a false self is life consuming. Nothing else can come to life and blossom. The "me" of this venture becomes the head of the "cult" that will never show us the truth, the way, or the life.
Connection: We are beloved and gifted as we have others around us who will help us see through the fog of our own illusions and come to see the beloved of God...that is each one of us.
You, O God, patiently wait for us to awaken to the word of love you send spinning into our world. Too often, we would rather live within a dream than be at rest in you alone. When you give us a place to rest, we are given the opportunity to hear your word of love and mercy that brings out the gifts of our lives as you see us. Thanks be to you, O God. Amen.
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