Naked ?

" If it is true to say that we are our true self (our Christ centered self) it is equally correct to say that we have a false self.

Our false self is our desire (concupiscence) to be "like the gods," that is like, we "should be."

Merton describes this false self as " the exterior" "I" which has a compulsive need to measure up to greatness and infallibility. This "I" seeks recognition, applause, wants accomplishments, and successes. "It is the self which wants to exsist outside of the reach of God's will and God's love, or outside of reality and outside of life. Such a self cannot help but be an illusion."

Our false self is an illusion, but we really have the illusion. It isn't, but this "isn't" is!

"Our false self dosen't exsist, it isn't there," "It's alienated from our true self and therefore God." "It is the "I" I want to exsist outside of reality, therefore not known by God.

For us to be reconciled we must be willing to identify with this lost, then found, soul. Ultimatly, our reconcilliation comes about by the free grace of God through Jesus Christ.

At some time in our life, each of us has to say: "I am the prodigal son."

An excerpt from "Who told you that you were naked?" by Br. John Jacob Raub.