(42) Test of Maturity

"Our ideals must surely be tested in the most radical way. We
cannot avoid this testing. Not only must we revise and renew
our idea of holiness and of Christian maturity (not fearing to cast
aside the illusions of our Christian childhood), but we may also
have to confront inadequate ideas of God and the Church."
[Thomas Merton, LIFE AND HOLINESS, Image Books, 1963, p. 46.]

Comment: Perhaps we might be surprised by what the great
Trappist said above; but, thinking about it, not really. Years after
his death, volumes of Merton's personal notes were finally published--
and they were a real eye-opener. Not one to remain long in the
mundane, Merton took to task a lot of worn-out ideas held by both
Tradition and Authority. In his later years it would seem he just got
tired toeing-the-line, so to speak. Nonetheless he remained true
to his monastic vocation, though at times sorely challenged.

Now long-in-the-tooth, I surely can relate to Merton's later years
of challenge and challenging. I had sad engagements and
disengagements when it came to religious Tradition and Authority.
Not very monastic, I suppose. But my spiritual childhood could not
prevail under the assault of spiritual maturity, no matter what the
rules and regulations might stipulate.

Still I can understand that for the most part--when it comes to
Institutional Religion--there need be rules and regulations in order
to hold together, to keep order, to provide a socially safe haven for
the greater good of its congregations. Not everyone can be presumed
a *Mature Merton.*

On the other hand, what happens when a person does begin to
mature when it comes to their religious or spiritual outlook? Where
do they go? Where are their companions going down a similar path?
Perhaps it is meant that each person in this situation need find their
own way. Some stay, some leave, when it comes to their familiar
religious environment. Some remain inside their old circle, some
seek other circles. For some it is a matter of "Accommodation," and
for others "Adventure." And for a few, it is somehow Both Together.
That's quite an achievement when it can be done, but Merton did it.