What I Am Living For: Lessons from the Life and Writings of Thomas Merton
“If you want to identify me, ask me not where I live, or what I like to eat, or how I comb my hair, but ask me what I am living for, in detail, and ask me what I think is keeping me from living fully for the thing I want to live for.”—Thomas Merton
Some of today’s most popular spiritual writers—including Rev. James Martin, S.J.; Bishop Robert Barron; Robert Ellsberg; Rev. Daniel P. Horan, O.F.M.; and Kaya Oakes—explore the meaning of life and what we live for using Thomas Merton’s life and writings as a guide.
In his address before the US Congress, Pope Francis praised Merton as one of four exemplary Americans. This was no surprise to the thousands who already know and appreciate the twentieth-century monk, but there were many listening that day who still have no idea who Merton is.
What I Am Living For offers readers new to Merton, as well as longtime enthusiasts, an opportunity to see how the influential twentieth-century monk and writer continues to encourage the awakening of faith in the twenty-first century.
The book is in two parts. Each contributor to part one focuses on an aspect of the spiritual life that is of vital importance today and on which Merton made a profound impact. These include:
- Martin—Finding who God intends you to be
- Ellsberg—The spiritual need for solitude and stability
- Oakes—The importance of coming to terms with our sexuality, whether married, single, or celibate
- Horan—The importance of dialogue with God, culture, society, and people of other faiths
Part two features shorter, often more personal reflections on the future of faith, the life and teachings of Merton, and what he still says to anyone who seeks a relationship with God.
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About the Authors
Timothy McCormick lives in suburban Detroit with his wife Rakhi and their three children. He spent seven years working in campus and young adult ministry before joining the staff of Bishop Foley Catholic High School as a theology teacher where he has been for over twelve years. He holds a B.A. from Michigan State University (History), an A.S. from St. Francis University (Religious Education), and an S.T.B. from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Daniel P. Horan, OFM, PhD, is the Director of the Center for Spirituality and Professor of Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Theology at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN. He previously held the Duns Scotus Chair of Spirituality at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He is a columnist for the National Catholic Reporter, and the author of more than a dozen books. Additionally, he is the author of hundreds of popular and scholarly articles; is a frequent lecturer and retreat director around the United States and abroad; and has previously taught at Siena College, St. Bonaventure University, Catholic Theological Union, Durham University, and in the School of Theology and Ministry of Boston College. Fr. Daniel is also co-host of The Francis Effect Podcast.
