The Pleasing Paradox of Desire

In the quote, "But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you," Thomas Merton encapsulates a profound truth about the nature of desire and its relationship to the divine. Here, Merton suggests that the very act of yearning to bring joy to God is, in itself, a source of delight to the divine. This notion invites us to reflect on the complexities of our intentions and the ways in which our desires can align with a higher purpose. It raises essential questions about the nature of our spiritual pursuits and the authenticity of our motivations.

As we delve deeper into Merton's insight, we uncover layers of meaning that resonate with the human experience of longing and connection. The desire to please, often seen as a mere human inclination, is elevated here to a sacred act. Merton's words challenge us to reconsider how our intentions can serve as a bridge to the divine, transforming our personal aspirations into a collective expression of love and devotion. This exploration of desire not only enriches our understanding of spirituality but also invites us to engage with our inner selves in a more profound way.

The image / the metaphor

At first glance, Merton's quote presents a simple yet evocative image: the interplay between desire and the act of pleasing. The verbs "believe" and "please" carry significant weight, suggesting a dynamic relationship between the seeker and the sought. The desire to please is not merely an obligation; it is an expression of love, a yearning that transcends the self. This imagery evokes a sense of intimacy, as if the act of desiring to please God creates a sacred space where both the seeker and the divine are engaged in a dance of mutual affection.

Diving deeper into the metaphor, we can see that Merton is illuminating a path toward understanding the nature of divine love. The desire to please God is not about fulfilling a checklist of religious duties; rather, it is an invitation to cultivate a heartfelt connection. This desire transforms into a form of devotion, where the act of pleasing becomes a reflection of one's inner state. In this light, desire is not a selfish pursuit but a profound expression of one's relationship with the divine, suggesting that the journey toward God is as significant as the destination itself.

In the speaker's tradition

Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, was deeply rooted in the contemplative tradition, which emphasizes the importance of inner silence and the pursuit of union with God. His understanding of desire aligns closely with concepts such as bhakti, the devotional love for God found in various spiritual traditions. In this context, the desire to please God can be seen as an expression of bhakti, where love and devotion become the driving forces behind one's spiritual journey. Merton's insights encourage us to embrace our desires as pathways to deeper communion with the divine.

Moreover, Merton's reflections resonate with the concept of kenosis, or self-emptying, which invites individuals to let go of their ego-driven desires in favor of a more profound connection with God. In his work "New Seeds of Contemplation," Merton writes about the necessity of surrendering one's will to experience true union with the divine. This surrender is not a loss but a transformation, allowing the seeker to align their desires with a higher purpose, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling spiritual life.

Living the teaching

Consider a modern scenario where this teaching might resonate: a person grappling with their career choices. They may feel torn between pursuing personal ambitions and seeking a path that aligns with their values and the greater good. In this context, the desire to please God can manifest as a guiding principle, encouraging them to reflect on how their work can serve others and contribute positively to the world. By embracing this desire, they may find a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment in their professional life.

In a different application, imagine a relationship where one partner feels unappreciated. The desire to please the other can become a source of tension, leading to misunderstandings. However, if both partners approach their relationship with the intention of pleasing one another out of love, they can cultivate a deeper connection. This desire transforms the relationship into a sacred space where both individuals feel valued and cherished, illustrating how Merton's teaching can enhance our interpersonal dynamics and foster a sense of unity.

A reflection

As we contemplate Merton's profound insight, we are invited to consider the nature of our own desires. Are they aligned with a higher purpose, or do they stem from a place of ego? In what ways can we cultivate a desire to please the divine in our daily lives? Reflecting on these questions can lead us to a deeper understanding of our spiritual journey and the transformative power of love and intention.