International Thomas Merton Society Encino Chapter

04/27/2025

02/16/2025

We have our Merton Chapter Meeting tomorrow, Sunday, Feb 16 at 2:00 pm. Chapter reading questions are as follows:

1. On page 160 Merton describes a prophet as someone who sees the world in a new way. How do prophets see the world, and would be a new way to see the world today?

2. On page 161 Horan states that we each have a special calling from God. What is your special calling from God?

3. On page 163 we read that one’s story must e God’s story. How would that play out in our daily lives?

4. A prophet sees the discrepancy between God’s view of how the world should be and what is happening in the world today. What discrepancies do you see?

5. On page 165 we read that prophets are people who ask questions. What questions do you have that keep you awake at night?

6. Who are some modern day prophets that you admire?

Happy reflections and join us for discussions.

01/24/2025

Due to the closure of the Center while the sisters were evacuated, I moved our meeting to this coming Sunday, January 26th. Thank you for your flexibility! We are back and the Holy Spirit Retreat Center is open once again. We had no damage of any kind, thank to our wonderful firefighters who kept the fire from crossing Mulholland. Questions for Reflection are below.

Have a good day and I'll see you on Sunday.

Blessings, Chris

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION – “The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton”
Chapter Seven

1. On page 135 Horan quotes Patrick O’Connell on the sacramentality of the natural world. How do you understand this idea?

2. On page 139 Simone Weil speaks of “learning to see” as the way that we can recognize the sacrament of creation. How might we develop this ability to see in a new way?

3. How do contemplatio (seeing) and speculatio (mirroring) connect in Franciscan contemplation?

4. The kinship of all creation is an idea that comes from St. Francis. Are you comfortable with this idea or is it new to you? How can you develop an awareness of our interconnection and interdependence with creation?

5. How would developing an “ecological conscience” change your behavior and way of looking at creation?

6. What else would you like to share with the group?

06/16/2024

Meeting today at HSRC and here are the questions:

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION – “The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton”
Introduction


1. On page xviii Horan points out that Merton became more Franciscan in his outlook, precisely because he wasn’t able to become a Franciscan friar. Have you ever experienced something like this in your life? Share with the group.

2. Horan mentions an actual place called “Merton’s Heart”. As you look at the pictures of it, is there something that you notice? What is it?

3. On page xxiii Horan says that the Holy Spirit speaks in many different way—not just Christian. How has the Spirit spoken to you? What was your response?

4. Merton experienced God deeply through the natural world. How might his connection to Franciscan spirituality fostered his love of nature?

5. What questions or comments do you have for the group?

06/02/2024

I hope you all enjoyed a fun and relaxing Memorial Day Weekend. A few of us met on Sunday and, as usual, we had a good meeting. We shared favorite Merton books with each other and watched a video on Merton's life, which elicited a lot of thoughts and comments! I brought the three highest ranking choices to the meeting and we examined them a final time. The group picked "The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton" by Daniel Horan. I will be ordering some books from our book distributor, so if any of you would like a book, please let me know this week so I can place the order soon. Take care and have a good week! - Sr Chris

04/22/2024

A message from Sister Chris:

Good Afternoon Merton Folks,

We had an excellent meeting yesterday! Three new people joined us and the conversation was as usual, wonderful and lively. We finished the book that we have been reading and I brought a selection of books to consider for our next read. Several of our regular members were not with us so I am sending out the books that we are considering, so you can have a chance to review them and cast your vote. They are as follows:

"Thomas Merton and the Monastic Vision" - Lawrence S. Cunningham: a look at various aspects of Merton's experience of being a monastic.

"The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton" - Daniel P. HOran, O.F.M.: a look at Merton through a Franciscan lens.

"Thomas Merto's American Prophecy" - Robert Inchausti: a different look at Merton's life.

"Thomas Merton Peacemaker" - John Dear: a look at Merton and his work for peace and non-violence.

"Thomas Merton's Paradise Journey" - William H. Shannon: an overview of Merton's different ideas on contemplation.

"The Vision of Thomas Merton" - a collection of writing about Merton from an array of people who knew him in different ways.

Please review the list and let me know your first and second choice. I will choose the book which floats the highest. Also, since we're starting a new book, if any of you who have not been attending the meetings would like to be removed from the email list, please let me know. Thank you and have a good week everyone!

Blessings, Chris

04/17/2024

Message from Sr Chris:

Happy Easter and Happy Spring! Our next gathering is taking place this Sunday, April 21, afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. We will be finishing the book, "Zen and the Birds of Appetite". Our reading assignment is: pages 79 to 95 or Nirvana to the end of Part One. We need to select our next book on Sunday, as well so I will bring some books for you to review. For those who are Zooming in I will go through the titles during the meeting so you can be part of the conversation. We are finishing a book BY Merton, so the next book witll be ABOUT Merton. I have a few suggestions. I hope you all have a good week until then. I will see you on Sunday.

03/10/2024

Meeting in person or via zoom if you’re too far away from Encino, will happen tomorrow, March 10, 1 pm. Please contact Sr Chris if you are interested in attending (818) 285-3354.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION – “Zen and the Birds of Appetite”

1. On page 61 Merton says that the greatest religions are simple. Have you found this to be true in your spiritual journey?

2. How do you understand the idea: “zero equals infinity” (page65)?

3. How is contemplative wisdom “a circle whose circumference is nowhere and whose center is everywhere? (page 65)

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