It takes more courage than we imagine to be perfectly simple with other men. Our frankness is often spoiled by a hidden barbarity, born of fear.
False sincerity has much to say, because it is afraid. True candor can afford to be silent. It does not need to face an anticipated attack. Anything it may have to defend can be defended with perfect simplicity.
Thomas Merton. A Merton Reader, ed. by Thomas P. McDonnell, (New York: Image Books, 1989) 123
Thought for the Day
In the end, the problem of sincerity is a problem of love. A sincere man is not so much one who sees the truth and manifests it as he sees it, but one who loves the truth with a pure love.
A Merton Reader, 125
Contemplative Pause
Contemplative Pause: Throughout this week, pause, take a breath, and listen with your heart. Notice if you seek to be perfectly simple with love or if behind your frankness hides a barbarity
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