I used to be on the cutting edge of using new technology. Now I don’t know how to use most of the functions on my cell phone. I used to be up-to-date on the latest trends in theology. Now I don’t even recognize the authors’ names on most religious books.

I’ve wondered if I should try to “get with it” and learn all the new stuff, but my 72-year-old-brain says, “who are you kidding?” So I go back to old familiar things, like the writings of Thomas Merton.

Merton was a Cistercian monk who wrote widely on aspects of the Christian faith until his tragic death in 1968. What can 50+ years-old writings tell us? Plenty. Basic human nature and the Good News of Jesus Christ haven’t changed in the last 50 years (or the last 2,000 for that matter).  Merton writes in his book “No Man is an Island” published in 1955. “. . . we must love ourselves in order to be able to love others . . . we must find ourselves by giving ourselves to them. The words of Christ are clear: ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’ This is not merely a helpful suggestion. It is the fundamental law of human existence.”

Here is the solution to many of our problems: Love your neighbor as yourself. To be honest, I’d be happy with a decrease in the venomous spewing of hatred that plagues our society, but the vision should be love of neighbor.

Love is as up-to-date and cutting edge as you can get. Thanks for the reminder, Fr. Merton.

Read Luke 10:25-28 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne