Catholic Hermit: Raised Beyond in Christ Jesus

I continue to be amazed at how many views of this blog continue to be of those wanting to know how to become a Catholic hermit.  However, recently, increasing numbers of this blog, A Catholic Hermit, are interested in the richer aspects, the spiritual aspects that come in living the eremitic vocation in the joyous anticipation of Christ's desire for us to come to Divine Union in Him.

Becoming a Catholic Hermit has been covered in my blog quite amply.  The Lord has raised me beyond the details of what the Church requires of those of us who have made our profession of the three evangelical counsels as well as offered our vows, either publicly or privately.  That, in looking back over the nearly two decades of my hermit life, seems now the simple yet definitively profound and necessary part.

But allowing the Lord to form the hermit, along with one's spiritual director, confessor, priest (if other than or in addition to a priest director), Bishop--ultimately brings the consecrated Catholic hermit beyond temporal, goodly intermediaries and into the God-lifted spiritual life of which all souls are called.  

The visitor yesterday who will return sometime today with some provisions I need, discussed briefly how it is that there comes a time in which we recognize very much and with great gratitude, how it is that God, in HIs Son, and through the Holy Spirit, is forever the source and pinnacle of our full and holy formation in His Divine Will.  

A transition occurs, sometimes without our being consciously aware, that the Lord is dealing with us more directly, and we are lifted up increasingly even amidst the depths of the worst of suffering, despite the breadth of ongoing clouds of "unknowing." One becomes of God's will and divine action, profoundly, definitively, consecrated by Christ and consecrated in Christ.

What transcends all else is becoming raised beyond in Jesus Christ.

I cannot emphasize this enough, although I cannot now attempt to write more on descriptions or specifics.  But this I do know from the Holy Spirit, and from Christ Himself,  what is the "better part" of which Jesus mercifully explains to Martha who was yet tied with being busy about many things--not bad--but that her sister Mary had chosen the "better part."

Being on the cross with Christ, one is raised beyond in Jesus Christ.  That truth is steadfast; I suppose it helps if one recognizes that we have been brought thus far and offers praise in the humility of great suffering.  There is joy in suffering, thus.

What is of value, then, what now matters?  We might find ourselves asking this necessary question.  Take heed of the answer God alone provides in various means and ways.  This is of heaven, not earth.

God bless His Real Presence in us!