Isaiah, our great Advent prophet, speaks to the people of Israel as they are returning to Jerusalem from the exile in Babylon. Isaiah speaks to them about the bounty of God’s goodness. They are now able to return back home after their years away. They have suffered for their sins. Like a shepherd who cares for his lambs and who searches for the lost sheep, God is looking after the needs of his people.
Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s vision. He calls us from our sins. He calls us to repent. He beckons us to learn from him.
On this day in 1968, Trappist monk Thomas died while attending a conference in Thailand. He was 53 years old. After searching for meaning in life as a young man, he was baptized at the age of 23 and entered the Trappist monastery in Kentucky at the age of 26. He was not your typical Trappist monk. He was the author of more than 50 books, mostly on spirituality and social justice. His autobiography, The Seven Story Mountain, became an instant spiritual classic. He was a proponent of dialogue and understanding amongst the different religions of the world. Many non-Catholics and non-Christians read his works. His influence in the realm of spirituality, mysticism, and inter-religious dialogue has only increased since his death. We unite our prayers with Thomas Merton today. Although he has not officially been canonized a saint by the Church, he is certainly one of the saints amongst us.
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