Things in Their Identity
“The more a tree is like itself, the more it is like Him.” —Thomas Merton
The beauty of life is in its infinite diversity, where each created being reflects the glory of God by fully embodying its unique essence. This speaks to the sacredness of authenticity. A tree glorifies its Creator not by striving to be something else, but by being exactly what it was created to be. Likewise, when we embrace our unique gifts and fully inhabit the essence of who we are, we magnify God’s glory. This understanding challenges us to honor our individuality as a divine calling, recognizing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). In doing so, we come to see that every facet of creation participates in God’s grand design, and our role is to embody our authentic selves with reverence and gratitude.
Human sanctity is not a passive state but the result of an active, dynamic partnership with God. This collaboration is an invitation to engage with divine grace and creativity, molding our lives into a reflection of God’s purpose for us. We are called to be co-creators with God, shaping our identity in alignment with divine will. This requires openness to the Spirit’s guidance and the courage to take responsibility for our choices, knowing that God has given us the gift of freedom. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10). By embracing this calling, we find that our lives take on profound meaning and purpose, rooted in divine partnership.
“Our vocation is not simply to be, but to work together with God in the creation of our own life, our own identity, our own destiny.” —Thomas Merton
“My false and private self is the one who wants to exist outside the reach of God’s will and God’s love—outside of reality and outside of life.”
—Thomas Merton
Yet, there is a great challenge to overcome—the false self, an illusion that separates us from God and distorts our sense of reality. This false self arises when we allow ego, fear, and isolation to govern our lives, leading us into a state of spiritual disconnection. The false self clings to illusions of independence and self-sufficiency, rejecting the divine love that sustains all life. But Jesus warns us of the dangers of such disconnection: “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25). To awaken to our true self, we must recognize and relinquish these illusions, allowing God’s love to heal and transform us.
Our true self is not something we construct on our own but is revealed to us through the grace of God. In Christ, we find the fullness of life and the fulfillment of our deepest longings. This union with God illuminates our true identity, showing us who we were created to be. It is only in relationship with God that we uncover the depths of our being and realize that our purpose is inseparably tied to the divine. As Paul declares, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). This profound truth calls us to surrender to God’s transformative love, trusting that in Him we find our ultimate meaning.
“Ultimately the only way that I can be myself is to become identified with Him in Whom is hidden the reason and fulfillment of my existence.”
—Thomas Merton
“If I find Him I will find myself and if I find my true self I will find Him.”
—Thomas Merton
The search for God and the discovery of one’s true self are not separate pursuits but deeply intertwined. This mutual discovery speaks to the intimate relationship between the Creator and creation. God is not a distant deity but dwells within the depths of our being, inviting us into communion. To seek God is to embark on a journey of self-awareness, for as we draw near to the divine, we come to understand who we truly are. Jesus assures us of this intimate connection when He says, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you” (John 15:4). This abiding relationship transforms our understanding of both God and ourselves, revealing the inseparable bond that unites us.
Human freedom is a sacred gift, granting us the ability to choose between living authentically in God or embracing a life of illusion. This freedom is both empowering and sobering, as it places the responsibility of choice firmly in our hands. We can choose to align ourselves with the truth of God’s love, or we can retreat into the false self, where fear and separation reign. This choice is echoed in the words of Moses: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19). To choose life is to embrace reality, to be real in God’s presence, and to live in alignment with divine truth.
“We are at liberty to be real, or to be unreal.” —Thomas Merton
“The secret of my full identity is hidden in Him.”—Thomas Merton
The journey toward self-discovery in God is neither instantaneous nor easy. It demands sacrifice, attentiveness, and faithfulness to divine revelation. This hiddenness reminds us that discovering our true self is a process, one that requires us to trust in God’s timing and guidance. Along the way, we are called to let go of attachments and distractions that hinder our progress. As Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field” (Matthew 13:44). To find this treasure, we must be willing to dig deep, surrendering our illusions and seeking God with our whole heart. In this journey, we uncover not only our true identity but also the divine presence that has been with us all along.
“There is only one problem on which all my existence, my peace and my happiness depend: to discover myself in discovering God.”
—Thomas Merton
Ultimately, the purpose of life is found in union with God. This profound realization reminds us that all our striving and searching find their culmination in the divine. Our deepest peace and joy come not from external achievements but from knowing and being known by God. As the psalmist proclaims, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence” (Psalm 16:11). In this union with God, all questions are answered, all fears are calmed, and all longings are fulfilled. It is here, in the heart of divine love, that we find our true home and our ultimate purpose.
