Description
Thomas Merton led numerous conferences during his decade (1955-1965)as novice master at the Cistercian Abbey of Gethsemani. In A MonasticIntroduction to Sacred Scripture, Patrick F. O'Connell presents one ofthese, a wide-ranging introduction to biblical studies.

Drawing on churchtradition, teaching of recent papal documents, and scholarly resources of thetime, Merton reveals the central importance of the Scriptures for the spiritualgrowth of his listeners. For Merton, at theheart of any meaningful reading of the Scriptures, not only for monks but forall Christians, is the invitation to respond not just intellectually but withthe whole self, to recognize the gospel as 'good news', as a saving, liberating,consoling, challenging word, reflecting his fundamental belief that 'the HolySpirit enlightens us, in our reading, to see how our own lives are part ofthese great mysteries - how we are one with Jesus in them'. O'Connell'sextensive introduction situates this reflection in the context of Merton'sevolving engagement with the Bible from his own days as a student monk throughthe mature reflections from his final years on the biblical renewal in the wakeof the Second Vatican Council.