4/2/2011

The TMS of Washington sponsored a talk by Fr. Patrick McMahon, O. Carm., on the influence of Thomas Merton on his Carmelite spiritual journey. The talk was held in the Fr. Stephen Reid auditorium of the Abbey School before a full audience. Fr. McMahon entitled his talk “Disputed Questions – a Carmelite Returns the Compliment”. To develop his theme he used the incident in the Second Book of Kings where Elisha asks Elijah for a double portion of his spirit as Elijah is taken up to heaven. He explained how his interest in Merton’s life and works helped him to advance in his own spiritual searching, feeling he had received a double portion of Merton’s spirit of inquiry into today’s world and church problems. The presentation was well received and there was time for discussion and questions during the reception that followed.