A Challenge from Thomas Merton

Thomas Merton’s words speak truth today as they did back in 1951 when he wrote them. Far too often I hear segments of the American church complaining about being persecuted. Those segments of the church would do well to listen to Merton’s words. I know that I am listening…

The big problem that confronts Christianity is not Christ’s enemies. Persecution has never done much harm to the inner life of the Church as such. The real religious problem exists in the souls of those of us who in their hearts believe in God, and who recognize their obligation to love Him and serve Him—yet do not! (The Ascent to Truth, p. 4)