We are the ones

The very essence of hope is freely to expect all the graces necessary for salvation as free gifts from God.

— Thomas Merton, No Man Is an Island, Sentences on Hope

Freely to expect –
when was the last time
I was free to expect
anything at all
when some sort of pain
or payment wasn’t expected,
quid pro quo,
in return?
We learn,
young enough,
we better shape up
or shut up
or figure out how not to be
– yes, not to be –
too much of a bother,
so we can fit in
be accepted
be liked
be safe
at least for the moment.
But we can’t keep it up.
Can’t keep in line enough.
Can’t be good enough
to earn all the graces necessary
for acceptance
for being safe.
Can’t be good enough for hope.

We are the ones God saves.

Tags God, grace, hope, No Man is an Island, quid pro quo, salvation, Thomas Merton

5 replies on “We are the ones”

Yes, indeed. We can never be good enough. It seems to work better for me when I try to be kind rather than good.
–Pam

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I love the next-to-the-last line, “Can’t be good enough for hope.” When I think I’m good enough, I feel entitled, not hopeful, and that never goes well. Hope is patient; hope is humble.

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