Book Review: Compassionate Fire
Bishop Robert Morneau
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REVIEW OF THE BOOK |
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Between 1941 and 1968, Thomas Merton (1915-1968) and Catherine de Hueck Doherty (1896-1985) exchanged letters that revealed the depth of their friendship and their concerns about the world and the Church. Doherty was born in Russia and came to North America during the Russian revolution. Merton, born in France, educated in England and New York, became a Trappist monk at Gethsemani in 1941, shortly after meeting Catherine de Hueck Doherty at Friendship House in Harlem, a residence that served the needy and the poor. Both of these individuals influenced the spiritual lives of many during the 20th century through their writings and witness to the Gospel. The title of this volume, Compassionate Fire, captures well the faith-commitment of Merton and Doherty. They were on fire with God’s love and experienced deep compassion for the suffering of the world. They encountered the mysteries of suffering and evil, of the cross and the resurrection. And they did not have all the answers. As pilgrims, they searched for meaning in a world filled with absurdity and they hungered for holiness in a culture that cared little for things divine. Both knew the heart of the matter. In one letter, Catherine de Hueck Doherty wrote in bold letters: THAT NOTHING MATTERS EXCEPT CARITAS (62). A constant theme these friends kept turning back to was their longing for silence, solitude, penance, and prayer. They both were extremely active and busy individuals; they were haunted by the triune God who dwelt in their souls. Thus, the inner journey maintained high priority and we are given in their letters (six volumes of Merton’s letters are available and Doherty said she wrote 9,000 letters a year) a large quantity of what transpired in their minds and hearts. Cardinal Newman held the theory that we know individuals more through their letters than through their biographies. This slim volume is challenging, indeed, disturbing. When we listen to two individuals who have dedicated their entire lives to sacrificial love, we may feel judged. Doherty articulates this question, which might cause us some sleepless nights: “What have you left undone in being or doing before the Lord, that whom He has entrusted to you have not yet caught the fullness of His fire?” (79). __________________________ Bishop Robert Morneau is Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Green Bay, where he is pastor of Resurrection Parish and member of Deacon Digest Advisory Board. |
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