When I was eighteen or so, I read a bit of Thomas Merton’s works. I suspect it was an anthology of some of his best writing and ideas. Either that, or I grazed a bit much at the monkish library I found myself in with its cool stone walls and sheltering oaks.

Not surprisingly, it was the pursuit of beauty that placed me in such holy surroundings. I had been mildly interested in a young lady who hoped to (but never did) become a nun, so I found myself attending events with her. While I soon lost interest in the young lady’s spiritual aspirations, noble as they were, I did love the libraries and grottoes I found myself at.

At one of them, I found a few books by Thomas Merton. I had no idea who Merton was, and his writing didn’t appeal that much to me. I suspect there was too little life experience to take hold in, and ambition kept me from the contemplative. His life was a bit cloistered (is that the right term?) for my tastes. Ha ha. Seriously, he had some interesting takes on lives that one could spend a lifetime studying.

His writing came to mind, perhaps a quote I read in one of his books while listening to socialist democrat (or is it democratic socialist?). May I share it with you?

Consider this excerpt from his book, Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander:

“In the refectory a tendentious book about Communism is being read. Communism is insidious. We should hate all that is insidious, especially this ultimate diabolical insidiousness which is Communism. 

If we truly hate it with all the power of our being, then we can be sure that we ourselves are, and will remain righteous, free, sincere, honest, open. 

Today, then (we are told) hatred of Communism is the test of a good Christian. The pledge of all truth is political hate. Hate Castro. Khrushchev. Hate Mao. 

All this in the same breath as “God’s merciful love” and “the beatings of the Sacred Heart.” There seems to be some other dimension we have not discovered….

[St. John] Chrysostom has some fine things to say about sheep and wolves in the III Nocturn of St. Barnabas’ Day. 

“As long as we remain sheep, we overcome. Even though we may be surrounded by a thousand wolves, we overcome and are victorious. But as soon as we are wolves, we are beaten: for then we lose the support of the Shepherd, who feeds not wolves, but only sheep.” (from Homily 34 on St. Matthew)

The emphasis (bold and highlights) are mine. I thought it might be fun to examine in light of the portion of the critiques that Bernie Sanders faces from time to time. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a defense of any one candidate. Rather, it is an observation as old as time.

Note the bold section. As someone who is stumbles in the dark, seeking the light, I can see the double-think inherent in hating democrats, Fidel Castro, socialists, immigrants while saying we believe in God’s love and mercy for all.

It reminds me of another saying…how does that go? Ah, yes, here it is…

“Hate the sin, love the sinner.”

Perhaps, avoid the sin, care for the sinner works better. Oops, I see that’s not an original thought either. Well, I’m grateful for having a few moments to share these ignorant reflections with you. Thanks for stopping by.