Dear Joseph, Thank you so much for sharing this sequel to your memoir. Ultimate reflections, as it were , in several senses. I evoke only one of many poignant strains: "Can one foster an affair of the heart when God in prayer is the central lover?" (page 4). This is an issue that Cynthia Bourgeault, among others, has forcefully addressed, especially in her book on Mary Magdalene. How strange, tragic, and counterintuitive to the Incarnation, that singlehearted love of God is always deemed in competition with an authentic human love. God is the Love not only beyond but in All, the Love that engenders, facilitates, and animates all love. Then, towards the end of your reminiscences, you suggest that love of your art is indeed incompatible with other engrossing commitments. Very sobering. You rightly point out that Fra Angelico seemingly found no conflict; but, rather tempestuously, Thomas Merton certainly did. Enjoy the summer, and all the fertile energies still swirling within you. Warmly, Michael
Michael Holleran, Former Distiller of the Chartreuse Liqueur, Voirons, France