NSoC 38: Pure Love

See Notes on this series...

Penultimate chapter, long, and one last one over my head.

Merton begins by outlining three modes or beginnings of contemplation: the rare "sudden emptying of the soul," the "desert of aridity," and the "quietud sabrosa," or "savor, rest, and unction."

He goes on to describe the idea of "presence" in these modes, and how the feeling of God's presence is not really his presence as long as we are are somehow still aware of ourselves. Or something like that. Then he talks about the inner self and the outer self, their differences and conflicts, and their role in the whole reality of contemplation.

Part of the problem is pride, and it remains as long as we remain in the mix. Where there is only God, there is no pride. Where there is no pride, there is pure love, and then we can begin to exercise the first commandment: Love God with all our being.