To say that I am made in the image of God is to say that love is the reason for my existence, for God is love. Love is my true identity. Selflessness is my true self. Love is my true character. Love is my name.
If, therefore, I do anything or think anything or say anything or know anything that is not purely for the love of God, it cannot give peace, or rest, or fulfillment, or joy.
To find love I must enter into the sanctuary where it is hidden, which is the mystery of God.
— Thomas Merton, A Book of Hours by Thomas Merton, Kathleen Deignan, editor