The true goods of the spiritual life are those which are not diminished by being shared but which, on the contrary, are possessed all the more perfectly when they are shared with others.

The monk who feels himself to be most destitute in virtue and in grace can be rich in both if he has the humility and charity to share the virtues of his brothers by rejoicing in them as if they were his own.



These two excerpts are taken from Thomas Merton's book The Silent Life, page 39, in the chapter 'Monastic Peace -The Highest Tabernacle'.

The book is edited by Sheldon Press in London. To find interesting customers' reviews about it , go to Amazon.com.



The prologue of the book 'What is a monk' and the first chapter 'Monastic Peace' is worthwhile reading for those preparing to become monks - indeed it is worthwhile reading for all of us!