“We must suffer. Our five sense are dulled by inordinate pleasure.”

— Thomas Merton

Thoughts in Solitude (1956)
Context: We must suffer. Our five sense are dulled by inordinate pleasure. Penance makes them keen, gives them back their natural vitality, and more. Penance clears the eye of conscience and of reason. It helps think clearly, judge sanely. It strengthens the action of our will.

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Thomas Merton 92

Priest and author 1915–1968

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