Hermit Reflects on Letter to the Hebrews

The Book of Hebrews

Reflections written as tribute to a consistently scepter-holding priest ~ by this joyful hermit....

Christmas 2015

Chapter 1

After Jesus’ earthly sin bearing, dying death, He exists as all-sustaining Word as one with God.  In these days, our present moments now, God is speaking to us.  He speaks through Jesus, the Word, the Living Word.  God created the universe and all aspects of existence through Jesus Whom He calls His Son and Heir of all fathomable and unfathomable things. 

The Living Word, the Word made flesh—Jesus—sustains all by His Word.  This is love of God in Himself and God Is Love.  The Word who sustains all, accomplished purification from sins by the Word-made-flesh bearing all sin and being crucified with all sin expiated, once, for all.

After Jesus’ earthly sin bearing, dying death, He exists as all-sustaining Word as One with Love Is God. The Word is filled with and reflecting His Glory: light reflecting refulgent light reflecting refulgent light infinitely, forever and ever. He is in His Glory, the Word inheriting a name that is perfection, more excellent than beings of light named angels.

Higher than the angels, God placed the Word and called Him “Son.”  He asked all the angels to worship Him.  He gave the angels their purpose: be winds and fiery flames of ministry.  Of His Son, the Living Word, God gave Him the scepter of righteousness in God’s Kingdom, for the Son loves justice and hates wickedness.  God anointed His Son with oil of joy above all lesser joys.

All that God creates—of heaven and earth—are perishable.  People, things, earth, wind, rain, fire—all age in time, dissipate, depart.  God takes all tangible creation and changes all tangible creation, no matter what it is, who it is, where it is.  But God-Is-Love and His Living Word never change and exist forever.

All things temporal change.  Bodies, circumstances, places, thoughts, emotions, attitudes, actions change.  Even vocations change.  And souls change.  Yet of all things and aspects in time and temporal  that change, only living souls and angels created by God exist eternally.  They exist and continue to be influenced, reformed, commissioned by the Living Word-God-Love—infinitely, in God, without end.

Do the souls that sin has deadened, exist infinitely dead? It seems so, for even a soul that is deadened with sin exists dead, is nothing.

God speaks to souls in these days, now, and anoints souls with oil of joy.  He calls them Sons, and gives them scepters of righteousness in His kingdom on earth—that kingdom of proclaiming God’s righteousness, of loving justice, of hating evil.  They are a little lower than the angels, these anointed souls, made to be ministers of the Living Word’s Words.  

These Sons are to think, speak, live Truth, Beauty, Goodness; the Way and the Life; to be a reflection of the refulgence of Light; to accept the scepter of righteousness and stand in life on earth to the right of the Word at the right of God in heaven.

These earthly Sons who are anointed with all celebrated joy of oil of gladness who accept the righteous scepter and who live and think and speak and do as the Living Word, exist in God.  Their souls change as does reflected light, increasing intensity, reflecting and refracting, metamorphosing truth and goodness and love, beautifully, sincerely, as generous as is justice pure and love perfect. Their souls exist infinitely as light and love, worshiping as voice of God speaking to us through His Son, as His Living Word.

These are the earthly priests of God, created a little less than the angels—yet whom He calls as ministers of reflections of the refulgence of His glory.  They are His Sons, and of them God is father, and they are called sons.  Their earthly presence will perish, but if their souls (as all souls) carry to the earthly end the scepter of righteousness in His truth, beauty, goodness, light, and love—they will remain, and they will be the same in God, the lights of many souls fed by these priests redounding in the splendor of His mighty word, vivified in the refulgence of His glory, forever and ever.

For those anointed with the joyful oil of gladness, yet weaken in hatred of evil, who lose grip on the scepter of righteousness, who trade justice for temporal prestige, power, position—what is their fate as earthly priests of God?  When the bodies decay and the soul yet exists, is the existence death, that of nothingness?  Do souls that are deadened by sins on earth, exist as dead nothings infinitely, or is there merely nothing, and thus no existence, ever more?

We wonder that surely the angels and all ministering spirits sent to serve, are to do and have done so “for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation.”  And surely, those of earth who ask for and accept in joyful celebrations the anointing of the oil of gladness, will be as ministering spirits even if for a portion of their time that has end, lesser beings than the angels but with souls.  Even if they have not grown old with the scepter of righteousness yet clasped in their hands, surely there will be some light remaining to carry their souls into infinite momentum, of inherited salvation, some taste of His portion and cup.

And for all souls wearing the garments of genders on this earth, may we all be open to whatever anointing of oil of gladness that has been given us, that we strive to hold with these ministering priests of earth, the scepter of righteousness. May we help them hold onto love of justice and hatred of evil, as all our souls are vulnerable to weakness.  When it is time for each of our bodies to perish, may our souls be sifted and become magnifying light, changed and luminous, all existing infinitely together, light within Light.

God gift eternal love.

Catholic Hermit: How to Become a Catholic Hermit, Pt. 3

Some Considerations ~

To iterate , the eremitic life is of direct consequence and concern, obviously, to all Catholic Church hermits--all of whom have professed their vows which must include (or could simply state) the three Evangelical Counsels which are celibacy, poverty, and obedience.  

The two previous posts cited the appropriate institutes and law as to licit and credible options for Catholic hermits whose adherence to the requirements of the Church, and for some, also CL603, are thus living in the state of the consecrated life of the Church.  [See The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Section 3, Parts 914-921; and Can. 603, §1 and §2.]  

Also note that the Church is comprised of three categories: Hierarchy, Laity, and Consecrated Life.  [See The Catechism of the Catholic Church: Article 9, Paragraph 4. Christ's Faithful - Hierarchy, Laity, Consecrated Life, 871-873.]  Of these, those in the Consecrated Life may derive from either the hierarchy or the laity.  

Thus, those in Holy Orders, or Hierarchy, such as priests and bishops, may be called to consecrated life, as in priest hermits or priest religious brothers.  In fact, there are and have been bishops, cardinals, and Popes in the Consecrated Life of the Church as hermits and/or religious brothers (monks).  To do so, of course, requires for a bishop to no longer actively, publicly as recognized by Church law, fulfill his episcopal office.  Even so, such priest or bishop hermits derive from the Hierarchy.  And, those in the Consecrated Life of the Church (hermits, consecrated virgins, widows, religious brothers and sisters) may also derive from the Laity of the Church.  

In practice, those of the Hierarchy (priests, bishops, cardinals or even a Pope) who enter/s the Consecrated Life of the Church are not referred to or do not to refer to themselves as hierarchy hermits, hierarchy brothers or hierarchy monks--even though they are derived from the Hierarchy.  Neither are or do those of the Laity who enter the Consecrated Life of the Church referred to as or refer to themselves as laity hermit, laity virgin, laity widow, laity brother/monk, or laity sister/nun--even though they are derived from the Laity.  (This is true for hermits whether or not their vows include the proviso of CL603.)

Thus, Catholic hermits who by their vows and life in accordance to the institutes of the Church have entered into the Consecrated Life of the Church are Church.  By professing the required three evangelical counsels (celibacy, poverty, obedience) and fulfill the conditions of hermit life as delineated in The Catechism in pertinent section cited, they are no longer married or single laity.  For example, marriage vows do not include celibacy and poverty; obedience is to be husband to wife and wife to husband.  

Of course, all Catholic Christians (whether of the Hierarchy, Consecrated Life, or Laity) are to be obedient to God, to the Church, to the Word of God, to Hierarchy, to Superiors--all according to one's state in life.  (As Christian children, we are to be obedience to our parents; as Jews and Christians, obedient to the Ten Commandments, etc.)

What is cited in The Catechism of the Catholic Church and in the proviso of CL603, and by virtue and fact of the specific vows required of each state of life in the Church, should suffice to explain why consecrated Catholic hermits (and also the consecrated virgins and widows) are part of the Consecrated Life of the Church--although they have derived from the Hierarchy or the Laity.  

Likewise, consecrated Catholic hermits (virgins, widows, religious brothers and sisters) are not the Hierarchy of the Catholic Church, as in Holy Orders of priests and bishops.

The options for Catholics to enter into the Consecrated Life of the Church as a hermit are either for those in the Hierarchy or for those in the Laity to discern, receive, and accept a call from God to the eremitic life.   

The Catholic priest or bishop, or lay person (including priest, brother, or lay person, who is currently a religious brother or sister in a Catholic Church-condoned religious order or community), may aspire to the consecrated state of life as an eremite.  He or she then must fulfill the requirements in profession of vows and manifest the eremitic life in accordance with the cited specifics in The Catechism of the Catholic Church, of the institutes of the Consecrated Life of the Church.  And, if the aspiring hermit requests and a bishop agrees, then he or she must fulfill the additional provisions in Canon Law 603. 

Catholic Hermit Shares Bits of This and That

I still am working up the emotional energy to continue writing about the death experience.  I wrote in a couple blogs of the lead up, but I yet will write about what occurred in recovery room and after, including the actual dying process which for me did not include extensive time in heaven.  But it is yet worth writing and sharing, for each person who has these experiences can add a bit of information to the process that so many fear.

This past week I had a couple of nights and a day in civilization.  I was called upon to watch my grandson, age 7, for a day.  It was very good to be among some accepting people, and share love and our Christian values.  Plus, I so enjoyed a shower and delightful living conditions.  This body needed a break from heat, hard manual labor, and minimal type food.  Upon return, I am ever reminded of how the bulk of humanity lives in such conditions as this hermitage--or live in far worse!

I have been praying much for those suffering with Ebola virus, including the two Americans being treated with experimental drugs.  I think so of the people in West Africa who do not have the drugs and who suffer in harsh conditions.  Thanks be to God for missionary medical workers who are with them, trying their best, to save lives and provide any comfort possible.  It is a horrible virus with painful symptoms and a terrible suffering leading most of the victims to death.

Yet, when I consider the death itself, I am blessed to know how joyous it is for those who die.  But I pray for cures and for people to live.  We are born into this life to fulfill our missions, and mercy and compassion are part of humanity's hope and faith and love.

My grandson had plans for us the other day.  He started off making "Gaga" breakfast in bed, bringing a bowl of cereal, container of yogurt, and some water on a metal pizza pan.  We then walked a ways to pick some berries; his mother wanted some for a recipe she planned with dinner.  As the grandson and I walked, we talked of many things. 

Somehow, the Lord put into my mind the reminder that every step we take, every thought we make, is either a step or thought toward heaven, or a step or thought toward hell.  I shared that with the lad.  He is perceptive and quick.  The next morning I could remind him of it when he woke up "on the wrong side of the bed", so to speak.  He pulled out of a bad mood immediately with the reminder of our choices using our free will given by God.

I have pondered the truth of the choices and each step and thought, as I have slipped too many times to count, with not good thoughts--not thoughts that were taking my mind and soul toward heaven.  I had upsetting and negative thoughts, feeling beaten back and discouraged, criticized, and pre-empted in several circumstances.  Not good!  I have turned a corner, once more, with the reminder of how I can choose steps and thoughts toward heaven in each present moment.

A few mornings ago I decided to meet some people who gather at a coffee place.  They are Methodists, and I decided to cast the nets in the water to see how the encounter might unfold.  I was brought up Methodist, and I know the goodness and Christian values thereof.  There were just three of us, and it was a delightful hour of chatting--nothing intense, nothing spiritual per se, but helpful and encouraging.  I am casting nets to see if His Real Presence is going to put a fish or more in them.

I have pondered St. Paul's mission and his involvement not with the Jews but with the Gentiles.  Perhaps my encounters have become too focused on Catholics alone and have ignored what God may wish of me to be more universal in outreach, or to have my light shine in other directions, too.  I will see how this goes, but for now one hour a week of gentle conversation with kindly people seems a good net.

As for where God has called me,  19 years ago, into the Catholic Church, that has not altered.  But my being accepted in parishes has come to empty nets time and again, of sorts.  I did review the tremendous vision and locution involving Jesus Himself, over two years ago.  He specifically showed me Catholic parishioners, mostly women in the foreground, and they were nastily criticizing, judging wrongly, and rather envious and mocking in tone.  Jesus said specifically that I would be criticized and judged within the Church but I was to pay no attention to them.

I have not done so!  I withdrew to protect myself and also to protect them from continuing the abusive behavior, parish by parish.  It is not easy when one is shunned and not really welcome in deed, even if a priest now and then might say I was welcome.  When one extends peace and love and joy, and it is not returned, Jesus in Scriptures says to take back our peace offered and go on to the next place.  I am praying and discerning this Scripture along with His direct message to me of not paying attention to those Catholics who He said would criticize and misjudge me.

And, He also said I would feel very alone.

However, the hour spent in lovely conversation with other Christians, was positive.  I'm not sure how it would be if they knew I am a Catholic.  Isn't it rather a sad situation that Christians of varying re-formations as well as the many varying parishes in the Catholic Church, the varying rites--can have bias?  There is entirely too much division and fussing, or so it seems.

I have to admit it was quite refreshing to be with people who are not caught up in competition with one another for prestige, position or any power.  Unlike the fearful ones I have encountered, or those who judge me, or even insinuate (such as another hermit does without using my name directly) as to mental illness and other unhealthy morbidity, and of causing scandal to the Church.  This other hermit is rather tricky in ascribing such ills.  This is no doubt just part of what Jesus told me to pay no attention to, but the other, even if not at all accurate, is a contrast to steps toward heaven.

The Methodists with whom I shared a cup of coffee in charitable conversation, were devoid of such silly and nasty aspersions.  I suppose partly this is due to their not having hermit vocations, canon laws, or various spiritual experiences in their "system" in how they function as Christians and as an ecclesial group.  Of course, there are many other differences, and I am not suggesting any better or worse; but it is an observation.  I certainly appreciated the breather from scrutiny, regardless!

In the meantime, a young woman called--she has called before and is by now a spiritual friend.  She expressed how lonely she feels despite being a mother and wife.  Her husband is gone quite a bit.  But she feels a different kind of loneliness and longing, and she had called a priest hoping to be able to talk with him and get some counsel on some issues as well as spiritual situations.  He was too busy.

I suggested we read a book together, across the miles.  I do this with an older woman.  We read a few pages or chapter or two--nothing rushed or too taxing as their schedules are always more full by far than my hermit daily life!  So the young woman and I have chosen Rev. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange's "Mary the Mother of Our Savior".  Garrigou-Lagrange is a great Dominican theologian, Thomist in background and theory, and was a favorite professor of the late John Paul II--as well as of many who find his writings outstanding.

Yes, I explained to the young woman that from my experience thus far, there are few priests today who have the training from seminary or time with experience in their priesthood, to be able to do much wise counseling or who have the time to do so, when a parishioner calls.  They have perhaps one semester training in counseling from seminary, and about one semester in the spiritual or mystical life, such as doing an overview of Teresa of Avila or John of the Cross in that semester.  Otherwise, they have many courses in administration skills for parishes, and a broad spectrum of other such needs including finances and managing lay staff.

So, I said she will be better served to turn to the time periods in which priests were trained more in the spiritual life and to those who we know long after their deaths were exceptional in their ability to guide souls to union with God.  It is not to blame the current priests or seminaries, but it is the reality of our times.  Thanks be to God these other persons left their writings and wisdom in the ways of the spiritual life, Scripture, mystical life, prayer, virtues and even how to combat the devil in spiritual warfare.

We will see how it all unfolds, our reading.  In the meantime, I have some manual labor and much watering in this drought area, and much praying and pondering to do today.  And perhaps, later, if  not too hot in here when the body needs rest due to the physical pain, I will attempt writing the recovery room and death experiences of 27 years ago.