It is good that I have been out to the common work more often, even though I nearly set the whole forest on fire yesterday burning brush out by Saint Gertrude’s field on the slope nearest the lake.

Wind … flames springing up in the leaves across the creek like the spread of attachments in an unmortified soul!

So, confortetur cor tuum et viriliter age!* Here are the things to be done:
Many lights burning ought to be put out.
Kindle no new fires. Live in the warmth of the sun.

*(do manfully, and let your heart take courage. Ps 26:14)

Thomas Merton, The Sign of Jonas, March 10, 1951, The Saturday before Passion Sunday