Hermitic life is a gift, not given to all . . . *
The decision to accept God’s call to monastic life is not an easy one. God will not call us on the telephone or send us an email. God will communicate in subtle ways. His message will come through the movement of the heart and mind. Seek truth and wise counsel from those you respect. Hermitic life is a gift, not given to all.
With that said, there is a certain foolishness that a choice of hermitic life entails. It lacks a certain wisdom in the world, even from other good Christians. There may never be complete understanding from others. No need to quote the gospel or common wisdom to know small towns have no place for a prophet, especially one of their own. If it is your call to life as a hermit, it is your call.
The traditional Liturgy of The Hours forms the foundation for the vowed life for the solitary. The temporal aspects of the Opus Dei have a communal aspect for the solitary. When praying one is aware of the fact that he or she is joining with other Religious worldwide who do the same thing each and every day. The spiritual communion of the members of the Body is reinforced.
The solitary is visible a icon which says to the Church and to the world there is another way. The solitary stands just outside the conventional structure of the Church, both praying for the Church and calling it to be what it is: the Body of Christ.
The solitary life is intense and must be tempered by a wholesome activity the re-creates one’s spirit. The ability to express joy is just as important as the ability to experience sadness. Laughter is often just as healing as tears.
Considering Hermitic life? Ask yourself these questions . . .
- What attracts me to hermitic life?
- What part does service or ministry hold in my present state of life?
- What personal gifts or skills do I have to offer?
- What is my potential for financial independence?
- How will the values of conversion, poverty, penance and solitude be integrated into my present lifestyle?
- Am I recognized as being approachable?
- Do I enjoy life, people and have a sense of humor?
- Am I able to form and maintain healthy relationships?
- Am I free of addictions?
Hermitic life is . . .
- Devotion to the praise of God and the salvation of the world
- Strict separation from the world
- Silence
- Solitude
- Assiduous prayer and penance
- Chastity and consecrated celibacy
* Thanks to Benedictines of Heartsong Hermitage
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