NSoC 28: Detachment

See Notes on this series...

Loving things for the sake of those things cripples judgment and discernment, says Merton. Even those who have forsaken the world for "pious practices" can fall into this trap over prayer, fasting, books, and even contemplation itself. Merton says that attachment to spiritual things can be just as strong as attachment to material things and may even be harder to recognize.

Some people never achieve contemplation because they get burdened by "important" activities and desires. Merton likens this to putting too much wood on a fire before the spark is well lit. Their attachments smother their spirits.

So the answer then is "detachment." All desire must be forsaken except for the desire of God's will. He's not speaking against mere "abnegation" of the five senses but the "work of a love that transcends all satisfaction and all experience to rest in the night of pure and naked faith."

Quaff:
Merton said a lot more than this in the chapter but I don't think I got it all. I understand the concept of detachment, but when he says thinks like pure prayer is unattainable until the pleasure of prayer is forsaken, I'm afraid I'm not tuned in enough to discern the distinction. Do I get parting gifts for trying?