Beyond Toleration...

"...it is in deep solitude that I find the gentleness with which I can truly love my brothers" (Merton)

Ringma comments that 'in the daily round of being in a community where one sees faults and weaknesses, where one may fail to respect others' differentness, and where one does not see the realisation of one's ideals, it is so easy to become negative and critical.'

Toleration is not enough - transformation is the goal, In the quiet place one discovers the 'grace for forgiveness , for perseverance and for hope.

Ringma, C. R. (2003:87). Seek the Silences with Thomas Merton: Reflections on Identity, Community and Transformative Action. London: Spck Publishing.

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