Thomas Merton – seeker, monk, mystic, prophet, writer, and, as Pope Francis noted, “man of dialogue” – invites us to plumb the wellsprings of spiritual wisdom that is, at once, timeless and timely. Whether you are a long-time reader of Merton, somewhat acquainted with his life and writings, or ready to encounter him for the first time, this retreat is an opportunity to hear and reflect together on two themes that ground and illuminate Merton’s life-giving spirituality. We are created for joy! We are overshadowed by mercy!

Thomas Merton invites us to travel “the road to joy” – a road which, as he explains to a young friend named Grace, “is mysteriously revealed to us without our exactly recognizing it (The Road to Joy: Letters to Old and New friends).” What is joy? What are the obstacles to joy? How do we nurture joy in ourselves and foster its growth in our communities? With Merton as our guide, we will consider the joy of being human, the joy of friendship, the joy of communion and community, and the cosmic dance. Overshadowed, as he believed he was, by God’s mercy, Merton professed that “in the depths of our own being there is an inexpressible spring of mercy and love.” How might we let ourselves be transformed by God’s mercy? How might we work together to nurture a climate of mercy in our communities and in our world?

Taking our cue from Merton’s own contemplative practice, we will have ample times for silence and reflection as we listen to the voice that speaks in our hearts, enjoy the marvels of springtime, and join together in conversations in the Spirit.