When Father Merton speaks of his experience at 4th and Walnut Sister Meg shares a moment of 'truth' before exams at Catholic University. In the continued dialogue Merton and Meg take on the language that describes a virginal point or a place only in the heart of hearts that is already pure and is the dwelling place of God. There is goodness not available to effort and an effort not worthy of the Truth. But alas, after many 'gifted' moments these two monastics report that they have not changed consciousness. Dread and hypocrisy cover over the moment.
Immediacy is lost.
The paper concludes with a further light from the Sufi dialogue on Final Integration. Why Final Integration seems to be a fitting conclusion for a paper on Purity of Heart is that there is a convergence of our different cultures. This dynamic actually serves us well to bring us to the point of purity where we see each other as we are and all is Good. The Truth is served by dialogue. Bede Griffiths Association.