Catholic Hermit: Pope Francis I on Consecrated Life; Hermit Joy Despite Suffering

For those who wish to read the Apostolic Letter of Pope Francis I. here is the Vatican link:

http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_letters/documents/papa-francesco_lettera-ap_20141121_lettera-consacrati.html

Pope Francis I provides additional input, although he does not specifically mention hermits nor eremitic life.  His emphasis more reflects that of those in consecrated life of the Church who represent active apostolates, of which are many in the religious orders, apostolic societies, virgins, widows, and communities known also as the new institutes.  Hermits, as we realize, are not called to active apostolate, although we could consider our praise of God and prayers for the salvation of the world, in a spiritual sense, activity in the Holy Spirit!

Blessed be God in His angels and in His saints!  May this day be one of love and service in the Lord and in our shared lives in the Body of Christ, in Christ's Church.  We are one in His Real Presence.  Here at Solus Deus Hermitage, the day begins with praising God through a temporal spinal headache; and I'm not complaining! 

How long I complained, prior to recently being "touched" with a recognition of the pointlessness of pain complaints.  The realization occurred in simplicity: Dr. H. so wanting to figure yet again a miraculous way for the pain to be removed, and concurrently my meeting with the new spiritual father whose spiritual joy cascades like never-ceasing waterfalls of bounteous delight in Jesus Christ. 

My complaining of suffering--intense though the suffering--has simply stopped, even if I note it's presence.  But my perspective is altered, and I recognize pain as no hindrance to inner joy even if outwardly the face may be strained and ashen, the eyes sunk, the body unable to mobilize in activity. In silent praise of God and in solitude in prayer, the heavier suffering is best managed.  While the joy is humming within, no complaints heard within or without.

As from today's Mass, Psalm 56:

"Have mercy on me, O Lord,
for to you I call all the day.
Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul."

Yes, the Lord as gladdened the soul of His servant.  I'm ever thankful!  The Lord is my God; to the Lord I lift up my soul!

God bless His Real Presence in us!