Merton's Voice: St. Benedict never said a monk must never go out, never receive a letter, never have a visitor, never talk to anyone, never hear any news. He meant that the monk should distinguish what is useless or harmful from what is useful and salutary, and in all things glorify God.

Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander (New York: Image): 14

Psalm 147: 12 Glorify the LORD, Jerusalem; Zion, offer praise to your God.

Contemplative Pause: Throughout this day, pause, take a breath, and listen with your heart. What do you discern as useless; what holds merit in your life?