Catholic Hermit: Vigil of Solemnity of Pentecost

Continuing the preparation which has transpired in these days between Ascension Thursday and Pentecost Sunday.  The Lord has provided quite a bit of clearing away that which He does not will for me in the major life spiritual new direction.  

There has been closure with a major situation from which I detached, and I've learned through  a little experimentation of what my role is (listener and small bit of temporal advice if asked, and to pray for what the persons ask or need) in a few relationships.  I also have been shown in dreams other aspects of what I can term my new "marching orders" for what God wills of me and how He will utilize me.

While I have shared in writing as a consecrated Catholic hermit, that reality has not changed.  Thankfully, my bishop is not requiring that I become a diocese hermit but am able to continue living my vocation as I have been.  I realize I have recently stated that those discerning a hermit vocation ought accept the CL603 as the way now and forward, and I still personally think that will likely be the case in most if not all dioceses, I also have recommended that those discerning a hermit vocation still consult with their diocese bishops to ask what he desires.  

And that includes, though, of letting a bishop know aspects of yourself so that if the process itself involves aspects that one is not free to answer or divulge oneself, then the bishop can grasp that if God prefers for His purpose for that hermit, to not be publicly professed nor with intermediaries involved and decide accordingly.  In my case (and in looking back years in my other blogs), my current bishop decided nearly verbatim what another bishop once determined as well as his vicar general:  the canon law is not necessary for me; I am to live my vocation as I have been and as obviously what God wills. 

I suspect that if one has not already been a hermit for two decades, that the privately professed form of the vocation will not be what bishops will desire.  And I thus think it best to seek the bishop's will and thinking in this matter, regardless.  In my case, there was the matter of the mystical experiences and God's actually choosing the hermit life for me for various reasons that were not so much to revolve around as a purpose or mission in itself, nor for me to write of hermits ad infinitum, but the vocation is the vehicle the Lord chose for me as a means for Him to utilize me as a mystic in His Church.  And, the Lord is using me, also, as a victim soul of Christ Jesus and for His Church.  

The hermit vocation is specifically structured to carry me through life more securely and hidden so that I can fulfill the mission God has for me.  That mission is beyond identity or writing of hermits and the canon law pertaining to hermits.  So as my bishop wisely wrote to me, the CL603 does not validate the vocation; it is but an "official" recognition.  Even writing of this can create consternation in those who take it to a more encompassing level beyond being a vehicle for one's spiritual life journey.  

So I cannot remain writing this blog, for my mission requires other than hermit topic writing; and my writing is not helped by the negativity that has occurred over 13 years from a CL603 hermit.  I also need anonymity of which I do not have writing on this blog.  Partly that includes those one or two know me and who asked me my blog name years ago, and so on occasion read it.  But that makes it not totally anonymous.

What the Lord is leading me into is beyond what I could write freely from the heart without anonymity.  The mission involves aspects of the spiritual life in which a known "messenger" can get in the way of the content.  I'm not even sure "what" I am to write other than to write, and to write it from the heart, and in my own words as guided by the Holy Spirit if I will be let the Spirit lead!

I had written to (yes, I'm cheeky but had a deep urge to do so--cast the net!) a scholar and theologian who I happened to find a university email.  I shared some of my situation including aspects of the last 25 years as a Catholic convert, a mystic, a victim soul, and for the past 20 years living these aspects as a hermit, in the hermit vocation, which has no reason to not continue--but with my entire view and focus changed radically!  I asked this expert for "a word"--what desert hermits would walk miles to seek out an older, wiser hermit and ask for advice.  I thought I needed advice on my writing, more specific as to  venue, genre, approach in content.

I did not expect any response; for all I knew this leading expert might not even check university email address or if did, not often, for is not actively teaching now.  But I did get a response!  And amidst some comments most helpful, including was not surprised by the amount of opposition I have received in my spiritual/mystical life, he said that sadly, even in our times, the clergy carries doubts and is not accepting much of those given mystical graces.  But he concluded by giving what came to him to advise me:  Depend on the Spirit.

Through this preparation time period, preparing me to transition, and be transformed in God in whatever His will to fulfill my mission--these four words are immensely pivotal and life-altering.  They follow upon the three words from Fr. V. a couple or so weeks ago which also are so meaningful and simple, that they are as if partner to this new advice.  My life must cling to, live out, to do and more so to be:  Focus on Jesus and Depend on the Spirit.  The focus on Jesus is the basis of the what and way, and the depend on the Spirit is the means by which I will know the what and way.

Thus, I'm not sure what tomorrow will bring other than the certainty that the Spirit of God is going to make "official" my transition over and through.  I have already promised God to not so much as to step my toe back over into the temporal Catholic world, in practicality of function, involvement, and also not to seek from bishops or parish priests guidance for this is not their bailiwick--not their area of interest, expertise, scholarship, or jurisdiction of what their vocations need to be in terms of being and doing and leading for what most Catholics need and rightfully so.  The temporal Catholic world is necessary and beautiful, and if kept in balance of institution, intellect, and mystical--it is fruitful and glorious.  

As Jesus said to Martha when she was upset and wanted Him to make Mary get up from her spot at His feet in rapt attention of listening to the Lord with all her mind, heart, and soul--wanted Mary to help her with the functional good of temporal world duties and activities, the Lord responded.  "Martha, Martha, you are busy about many things, but Mary has chosen the better part."

In my life it is that God has chosen me for this other part, I suppose if nothing other than to be placed in the third part so as to help balance out the other two parts some. I have no idea of how or what exactly, or why the Lord has some more extreme than others in this third part.  But I must stop trying to be other than what I am and to what He calls me to be.  My physical pain is too fatiguing now, and I do not have the energy for other than the very few the Lord has given me to interact with in listening and sometimes a little contact in phone conversation.  

It takes energy and can be like work to listen to the needs of those called to be mostly in the temporal, active world--again a most beautiful and necessary world.  And I want to do a good job of being for those very few the Lord gave me --mainly my three children and three grandchildren should they want of me a loving and listening ear, or some little task or favor that I can provide in whatever ways helpful for them.  There also are the extraneous contacts that come, of which the last few days I've experimented and found that I am not to bother trying to share of myself but to listen, and if need be to keep my comments or part of me at the temporal, for I do very much live in the temporal and can discuss what topics others may wish, of course. I can do that a little; I do not have energy any more bodily or otherwise, to do it much.

So that leaves me with fulfilling what the Lord may want of writing and the content of that writing, to be anonymously so, and my little place to express my existence and the Lord's messages and ways in which He comes into a person's temporal, daily life as well as a person's spiritual life, and how over time the soul is transformed in God's presence in very real ways temporally, spiritually, and mystically.

My hermit vocation remains intact; my consecration as a Catholic hermit remains intact--even if there are those more inclined institutionally or intellectually to think that is only reserved for CL603 hermits.  But that is merely due to the differences in perceiving and understanding consecration in one or other of the three parts of elements of religion:  institution, intellectual, and mystical.  So those not perceiving from mystical will never understand how a Catholic hermit who is not by the institution nor the intellect/legalism could possibly be consecrated if not by the canon law 603.  

But my whole life is to stop loitering in these other parts and must transition over, and I admit I am more than eager for I've finally totally accepted myself as God created and asks of me to be and if there is anything of "doing,"  I will depend on the Spirit!  I must focus on Jesus, and depend on the Spirit!  What specifically I write will depend on the Spirit, what venue, genre, style, vocabulary, content will depend on the Spirit.  Who calls or emails will depend on the Spirit.  Any of my physical life will depend on the Spirit.  All of my focus will be on Jesus, finding Jesus in all, including the garage I need to somehow get organized and make space and get help for some heavy lifting involved.  It is akin to omnia pro Deo: all for God.  Insert into all I do for God, to do it with focus on Jesus.

Adieu, dear readers!  I will pray for you all, and please pray for me!  This blog will remain as will my other blogs, for whomever comes upon them.  I know many of them were not well-written and were not pertinent to much other than what was not so much focus on Jesus, no doubt, and of my sinful self, my distractions by this or that issue going on in daily life.  These occurred in abundance when I was not willing to transition from where God did not want or need me for his purpose and and mission for me.  

I certainly tried harder than what others would put into it, to keep knocking and then pushing on doors God had closed--and trying other similar doors in other locations--good try!  But I was always putting what seemed logical from an institution and intellectual view and practice of what one think surely must be.  From the mystical view, God's purpose and mission for some, defies the institution and intellectual views and rationale.

So, adieu.  This blog has been my longest-running blog--filled with the worst of me and I hope in God sometimes the better part of my human personhood!  And, God bless His Real Presence in us!

Catholic Hermit, God's Hermit: Prayer and Love

Yesterday's Gospel reading of Jesus Christ's Holy Words according to St. John 15:9-17, were what I was going to ponder and share whatever insights before I let myself be distracted.  Another night of sleep has passed, and another morning of waking up battling the effects of far too much physical pain on the body.  Yet God's message breaks through the temporal externals, and Jesus' Living Word reaches and uplifts, always, the eternal human soul.

"Jesus said to His disciples:  'As the Father loves me, so I also love you.  Remain in My love.  If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and remain in His Love.  I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.  'This is My commandment:  love one another as I love you'".... 

God bless His Real Presence in us!

Now to spend some stilled, silent time in the solitude of an early morning, to praise God and pray for the salvation of the world with whatever thoughts and words and feelings--or none--that come, what may or not.

Hermit of God: Peace, and Added Closure per CL603

Awoke a bit before 4 a.m., in higher pain in what has become the new normal or usual.  The peace of Christ reassures me as I marvel at God's goodness in leading souls forth in the ways of His particular will for each of us, His children.

I had some additional thoughts come to my regarding my having chosen to trust in God's locutions and visions over the past 20 years of my Catholic hermit vocation, when one could be privately professed and not publicly, not have to be a diocese hermit, approved per canon law 603.  Increasingly I am relieved to have chosen God's will for me over the canon law.  But I want to make clear for my readers of this blog, particularly those seeking to find out how one can become a Catholic hermit, what I have discovered and am keeping up-to-date.  

For those who have a call (or think they might) to the hermit vocation in the Catholic (Roman et al rites) Church, it is best to check with the bishop of diocese in which one lives to find out what the bishop wishes regarding hermits in the diocese.  I am fairly certain with the research I recently conducted simply through online search of various dioceses in the US and in other countries, that most if not all bishops now will ask hermits privately professed previously, and any persons discerning a hermit vocation, to be canonically approved.  Or, some bishops who do not want to deal with the added responsibilities per canon 603 required of bishops, understandably, will specify they are not accepting requests to be a canonical hermit in the diocese.

What does one "do" if one's bishop requires hermits previously privately professed even if for years, to be canonically approved?  One must either go through the approval process the diocese bishop requires in whatever manner designated, or not be a Catholic hermit in the diocese, or find out if the bishop decides the non-canonical hermit life is acceptable; there could be exceptions, of course.  I suppose a person then could move to a diocese if there are any in which bishops accept non-CL603 hermits to be Catholic hermits privately professed; I doubt there will be many if any dioceses at this point.

And I do think this is best, for since there has been CL603 created and included in the revised codex of canon laws in 1983, it is well to have continuity.  CL603 is here to stay, and best for persons to either go along to get along or relinquish their privately professed evangelical counsels and vow (or could be sacred bond, for the canon law does not require both a vow and sacred bond; I personally had both vow and sacred bond but a moot point for me now).

The term "lay hermit" has been created by someone or other in the past 12 years or so, but there is no validity to the term either in the writings of the magisterium or in canon law.  The term has been created, it seems, to designate those who are trying to or wanting to be Catholic hermits without canonical approval.  The privately professed Catholic hermits would not be allowed in most dioceses at this point as most bishops if not all require the canonical approval process and to be a diocese hermit.  To me, this makes sense at this time, since there is no real canonical provision for a non-canonical or privately professed hermit. 

If we are going to go with canon law in public profession and the law stating to be a hermit whose profession is in hands of the diocese bishop, we must live to the letter and intent (de facto) of the canon law.  There would thus need to be a canon law that specifies that someone in the diocese could be a hermit but with private profession of the three evangelical counsels, and there simply is not such a canon law.  

So my two decades of private profession of the three evangelical counsels with a holy priest is not what the canon law specifically states.  Although there is a seeming gap allowing for other interpretation in §920 of The Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding "not always" are hermits publicly professed--that is not deemed, nor are magisterial writings on the matter, to be overriding of what is written in canon law.  I thus would find it unconscionable for a Catholic obedient in good standing, such as myself, to be other than what the bishop requires (and ought be same with all bishops) as to being canonically approved by a bishop per CL603.

Since that is not what God wills for me nor chose for me, I had to discern to whom should I go?  Should I proceed with the diocese bishop's chosen process for determining approval (in my case by a third party, non cleric although understandably one whom a very busy bishop might put into effect)?  Or should I trust in God's messages/locutions, visions, and dreams to me--discerned by priests to be valid over the years, and to me, a mystic, more real than temporal life experiences, themselves?  

Since also, there has not been inner peace given me consistently or even mostly in the past nearly 3 months since the bishop gave word through his chancellor that he requires hermits in the diocese to be canonically approved, I had to factor in the validity of lacking inner peace as being a signal of God's will in this matter.  Inner peace of the Holy Spirit, when given to a soul, or lack thereof, has been a rule-of-thumb in discernment for centuries.

An additional lucid dream and waking vision of several nights ago explained to me further the trend with the CL603, of how it will progress in future, and that it is not what God wills for me.  The waking vision provided a sign to me, as if an exclamation point to God's will in case I did not trust the message and interactive example within the dream.

Granted, in writing an email explaining my mystical life, that must go through the chancellor in order to be given to the bishop, I could have worded it such that would seem more acceptable, perhaps, and prolong the process ordeal, and I could have even done as one priest suggested to just "let it play out."  I could indeed play it out as could anyone--for I have seen examples of already-canonically approved Catholic hermits promoting and portraying themselves in online writing to be what in actuality they are not, per their diocese, not under the bishop's supervision and direction of bishop as stated in canon law.  

So there would be ways anyone could go through an approval process--such as I could have simply not mentioned my spiritual life, or if a question would arise regarding Mass, I could avoid the detail of why I cannot even be in the apse with the congregation during Mass due to a mystical ecstasy occurring at Mass.  But there are even other questions that while not at all part of the canon law, the only person the bishop trusts to spiritually discern for him would not have approved of my honest answers, and I know this with certainty due to some knowledge of the person's views of hermit vocation including various aspects not specified in the canon law itself.

But I'm not interested in playing along with other than abject honesty, and I truly do not find a benefit to being canonically approved, myself--not for the Church nor the Body of Christ nor for my own hermit vocation that I cannot also benefit without CL603.  All I have witnessed of canonically approved hermits out there on the internet or known through their diocese publicity and follow-up on researching their lives through articles or in their own websites, is that of hermits and/or their bishops or other persons in the diocese having approved of aspects of living the hermit life that are not in the canon law and in fact various aspects added, created, by people themselves.  It seems as if once approved as a CL603 hermit, then there is license to adapt the lived hermit life and justify the alterations, laissez-faire style.  

And I also note there seems to be quite a bit of temptation (and even falling to) pride in the canonically approved hermits.  I do not want that, nor do I really want to be associated in the pitfalls that have developed over just 37 years since the revised, updated codex of canon laws in 1983.  Even as a human being, I have found over several years with the repeated detractions and libel of me by one such "approved" canonical hermit (the one whose vicar general and current bishop nor bishop's secretary are not even aware the person was an approved hermit in their diocese) that I do not even admire such types, nor want to be associated with how easily a canon law can be made ridiculous in reality and unwieldy for bishops even being able to supervise such individuals approved by previous bishops.  

Once a law is created, it seems as if there are numerous ways people skirt the law, or the devil tweaks the persons to promote themselves, such as to be listed in Wikipedia as an authority or one known as an expert as a canonically approved hermit--despite that hermit very authoritatively writing how flawed and non-credible is Wikipedia!  How far all this is from what I view and read of the saint hermits and those who have gone far into the "desert" in God's will and guidance of the hermit life chosen for a soul's earthly life. 

These negative, untoward aspects are added reasons why I find not much credibility in or with the CL603 hermit-type I've encountered online, nor who I want to be associated with or have as Catholic hermit colleagues or mentors. I've not found any thus far of canonically approved hermits who hold even a matchstick flame to the heavenly glow of the saint hermits who were not canonically approved. (I certainly do not hold a matchstick flame to the hermit saints, either, but I find in them the hermit vocation ideal; I'm striving in what they lived and taught in their lived example and writings.)  

The saint hermits would not have wanted to be publicly professed nor would they promote themselves as an authority in anything whatsoever.  Further, there are no saint hermits of history who ever entered into the hermit vocation and life with the expressed desire (or any desire other than union with God) to form a community or association of hermits. It has been their followers who organized the hermit orders/communities after their deaths.

So I did what I needed to do, and that was to respectfully relinquish my privately professed evangelical counsels and vow.  And I suppose essentially the sacred bond that I was given under some beautifully unusual circumstances I must also consider not a sacred bond in the eremitic aspect; but it is a sacred bond given me, nonetheless, and I'm grateful.  I could not in good conscience go against what the Lord had willed and specified in discerned dream, vision, locutions years ago--especially with not having God's inner peace for nearly three months involving the canon law possibility.

Fr. V. said either the bishop will understand when I write and share some of my "story", or he will not; and if not, Fr. V. said I will go on living a fulfilled hermit life.  And I am not a "lay hermit" as that is not a canonically approved term or category, nor will I live as a known hermit at all.  Hermit's are to be hidden.  Just be God's hermit, the hermit life He chose for me, and of which He offered to me to have Him directly--not in the temporal but in the mystical spiritual--of which before too many years, I will be fully "living" as will all persons as we each pass from this temporal earth.  

I do not know what all this means as to a temporal living out of the spiritual, other than God will provide.  Over time He will show me. But the shift once and for all is toward the mystic life and the suffering life, with the vehicle of my existence in what time left on this temporal earth will be of His mystical Church.  The parish temporal life is cut off in various aspects but especially currently by a global pandemic of which the parish priest has guidelines for the safety of older persons to not come to Mass until further notice--beyond four months at least.

I also had a type of affirmation in a negative way by a canonically approved hermit who'd done so well not erupting for maybe a month, but now has made target practice of my thoughts in that person's on-going bullish, disparaging way.  This negative reminds me all over again why not to be involved in a newish canon law that allows such persons with history of hubris, nastiness, and outer attack (not only of myself but of others over the past 12 years and likely longer) to have been approved by a bishop.  

This reminder plus the inconsistencies in the canon law's adjudication, as well holy, busy bishops (especially in the case of the one whose bishop and vicar general, nor secretary and administrative assistant, didn't know the CL603 hermit was in the diocese) not having time to supervise and direct their approved hermits.  Thus, here is a solid suggestion.  When bishops who have canonically approved persons in their diocese to be hermits, are transferred, and with a new bishop arriving, the person who was approved by the first bishop ought be taken through the approval process over again by the next bishop and so on with new bishops, for not all bishops would approve of persons another bishop canonically approved.  

But definitely, I will not miss the negativity regarding this CL603 hermit and those who have been involved over the past 12 years of what comes down to obsessive bullying or what another mentioned as the person making me the person's "target practice" and not likely to stop. It has been nothing other than negative, creepy distraction.  I am called to better; the Lord will provide His way for me, upward and onward.

Regardless what my bishop decides per my hermit vocation if acceptable as not being canonically approved, I'm not continuing my writing as a Catholic hermit.  This is quite humanly honest, but I will definitely not miss this person's disagreeable attacks nor the person's followers who are part of the pattern.  But I will continue to pray for them as I pray for the salvation of souls of all the world.  I also hope in God that you readers will pray for me; I appreciate the prayers of so many people.  Prayers needed!  

I am currently listening to interviews and lectures by theologian/professor Bernard McGinn who's spent much of his adult lifetime in the study and writing of mystics and mysticism in the history of the Catholic Church.  I also appreciate the writings of the late scholar on mysticism and other aspects of the Church--a monk and priest: David Knowles.  But as Bernard McGinn states in a thought on the mystics, they delight in pondering the Scriptures, of sensing the actuality and truth and living out of the Living Word of God.  

Today's Mass selection, the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to St. John 14:27-31a, takes me from the weight of what was to me temporal, and offers me the peace of Christ that passes all understanding!

"Jesus said to His disciples:  'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give it to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, "I am going away and I will come back to you."  If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father:  for the Father is greater than I.

"'And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.  I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming.  He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.'"

Indeed, as I write out with fingers on laptop keyboard these words of Jesus Christ, it is as if they have become my thoughts and feelings of mind and heart, and are coming forth from my very soul. I am going to the Father, literally and essentially, both, as His beloved; I am leaving the world of CL603 and of temporal aspects of which the world gives.  I will no longer write much of this topic on hermits or how to live hermit life, but rather I will simply live in greater focus on Jesus.  The demons enrapt in whatever of matters they chose in self-deception and detraction have no power over me, and part of my rejoicing is in being untouchable to them or their followers.  

While I am very much subsumed into the Body of Christ, the Lord provides a place for me in the mystical, spiritual Church in whatever time on earth remains for this person, this soul, of whom I am and given life in His Real Presence.  I love God the Father and try to do as God wills of me, shows me.  I choose God; I trust in Jesus; I praise the Holy Spirit for His guidance and teaching of the gift the peace and love of His Real Presence:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

God bless His Real Presence in us!

Catholic Hermits: CL603 Hermits and Work

Came across the following regarding Catholic hermits and work.  I continue to find inconsistencies in those who are canonically approved (CL603 or "diocese hermits") and what the canon law specifically, actually states, as well as there not seeming to be oversight or concrete supervision by bishops who approve the hermits. 

These aspects of the canonical hermit recognition by church law distresses me--not in a major way--but in a discouraging way in that I appreciate and can put myself fully behind or into that which is solid, transparent, honest, and lives and demonstrates what it purports.  When there are inconsistencies when a law has been made, there is a lack of trust.  The effect is not conducive to taking it seriously--unless there is opportunity to try to improve or reform what is lacking or the problem with implementation of, such as, a canon law.

As I'm striving to sincerely and honestly live the hermit vocation that God chose for me over 20 years ago, my discernment within indicates to me what brings peace of God and what brings consternation or raises questions and distractions of a more temporal nature, or tempts comparisons and contrasts in that which is not focusing on God. 

I reviewed the wording of CL603 even though it is nearly identical to that of §920, §921 of The Catechism of the Catholic Church which has been the main focus of my adherence and attempts to living out my hermit vocation over the years.   And I consider the word "striving" to indicate and remind myself that I have not arrived at the ideal, but that I desire and pray to live the hermit life as how God desires of me and of the hermit life that He values very  much.

"Can. 603 §1.  In addition to institutes of consecrated life, the Church recognizes the eremitic or anchoritic life by which the Christian faithful devote their life to the praise of God and the salvation of the world through a stricter withdrawal from the world, the silence of solitude, and assiduous prayer and penance.  §2.  A hermit is recognized by law as one dedicated to God in consecrated life if he or she publicly professes in the hands of the diocesan bishop the three evangelical counsels, confirmed by vow or other sacred bond, and observes a proper program of living under his direction."

The law seems quite clear, yet again I have found several canonically approved hermits through some online research whose lives are not in adherence to the specifics of this law nor of additional writings that further expound upon the norms the Church sets forth.  These norms are not the law itself but more the interpretation of the law.  However, in enough cases, the norms or interpretation of the law are not adhered to in practice.  

I find the variances discouraging, for if one is to give one's life to the vocation by Church law, it seems best to have agreement as to the law itself rather than vicissitudes involving de facto and de jure practices of CL603.

"In law, de facto (in fact) describes practices that exist in reality even though they are not officially recognized by laws.  It is commonly used to refer to what happens in practice, in contrast with de jure (by law), which refers to things that happen according to law."

I'm finding in what I read of canonical hermit's lives, that there is more de facto living out of their CL603 vocations than de jure; there is more personal interpretation and difference in the reality of how the lives are being lived than by what is actually according to law.  This can be by different interpretations and personal choices of diocesan hermits (or CL603 hermits), including some creative reasoning or excuses or twisting of what CL603 actually states, or adding to it by setting precedents, and it can also be by the variety of bishops' or other diocese employees' interpretations of CL603, or of what variety of perceptions different people have in mind as to what is a hermit and how a hermit would live out a hermit life.

(And I'm not singling out any one canonically approved or diocesan hermit; the problems persists across a spectrum of several if not many diocese, or recognized by canon law, hermits.)

Always, the thinking, the discovery phase and fact-finding, and the writing on this topic brings me to lassitude.  The topic is far from my FOCUS ON JESUS which God asks of me.  But I must come to a resolution since the process to be canonically approved is that which the Church desires of Her hermits in most all dioceses, universally.  I'm the type of person who must be all-in or seek the Lord's direction as to what other or else.  God would want congruence, of course, in whatever He wills. 

The following (cited below) brought up some excellent points of standards and norms of the Catholic Church's hermits, canonically approved, yet it also brings up the inconsistencies of which I continue to struggle to accept as good or what ought to be acceptable, for it yields to the kind of hypocrisy and twisting of a canon law in practice that is not in fact what the law states, or adds to the law in seemingly whatever ways an approved hermit or other wishes to add as if law when is not.  These practices do bother me, for I am a seeker of truth and actuality; I want to be congruous, faithful, true, and to put myself 100% into what I would be by Church law, approved and expected to live and to be.

Catholic Church norms for the consecrated eremitic and anchoritic life do not include corporal works of mercy [charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily needs].  Nevertheless, every hermit, like every Christian, is bound by the law of charity and therefore ought to respond generously as his or her own circumstances permit, when faced with a specific need for corporal works of mercy.

"Hermits, like every Christian, are also bound by the law of work.  If they are not financially independent, they may engage in cottage industries or be employed part-time in jobs that respect the call for them to live in solitude and silence with extremely limited or no contact with other persons.  Such outside jobs may not keep them from observing their obligations of the eremitic vocation of stricter separation from the world and the silence of solitude in accordance with canon 603, under which they have made their vow.  

"Although canon 603 makes no provision for associations of hermits, these do exist (for example the "Hermits of Bethlehem" in Chester, NJ and the "Hermits of Saint Bruno" in the United States" and others."

In the above citation alone, there are several egregious lapses in some known canonical (CL603 or diocesan) hermits.  There are examples of bishop-approved hermits working as student religious director on college campus, working as parish associate administrator, as a diocese retreat center director and parish workshop and mission presenter, teacher, hospital chaplain, paid spiritual director, shrine director and active advocate/administrator for homeless project, and so forth.

There is more as far as the hypocrisies or perhaps better put, inconsistencies, per the actual canon 603 and in the lived practices and the invented or made up additions to the law.  I've considered these and mentioned them in the past.  But now I must discern the inconsistencies personally and discern if this is God's will for me to be part of the disparities and precedences being set that seem to just keep adding on in ways that seem to take the hermit vocation in a direction away from the purity and essential nature that even the CL603 states de jure, by law, so clearly.  (And what is written in §920 and §921 in The Catechism of the Catholic Church which repeats what is in CL603 but adds to it is absolutely inspired and beautiful for hermits in ways so spiritually embued!) 

A CL603 hermit suggested that "the silence of solitude" is not an actual or required part of the law itself but is conditional, thus seems to be rationalization for work or interactions that do not allow for "extremely limited or no-contact with other persons."  Or some can justify starting their own hermit communities or associations, somehow, despite no allowance for them specified in the law.  

This, and the living situations of some diocese hermits, approved, who live with one another (such as those in associations and communities do, as well) are not in keeping with CL603's "silence of solitude"--which is not just some option or choice but is stipulated in the law itself.  While there may be some temporary exceptions or end-of-life health-care needs that leave no other choices but to temporarily require living with others, this ought not be the living situation upon being approved by CL603 by a bishop, or shortly after then creating a hermit community of which one wants to be the superior general.

As to taking on names of "sister" or "brother" when not in a religious order even if used to be in a valid or condoned religious order--having left an order does not justify using a former title any more than a laicized priest is to refer to himself as "reverend" or "father."  Making up initials to go after one's name is another precedent that has been set by various canonically approved (CL603) hermits is another practice that has arisen, not in the law.  

Also, there is the occasion of some CL603 hermits being not financially independent nor willing to be "bound by the law of work" but rather expect donations or are financially dependent on a diocese and the generosity of others to do their work, cleaning, maintenance, and provide their housing, food, vehicle, and insurance.

So I must pray about these matters, as they do indeed take me away from FOCUS ON JESUS; and they also cause me consternation as I am finding it difficult to grasp why the hermit vocation is now necessitated in being approved or recognized by CL603 (church law).  There seem such inconsistencies and difficulties in adjudicating, enforcing, the law itself among the variances of bishops, and perhaps more so, among some canonically approved (diocesan) hermits themselves.  

While they surely don't set out to take liberties with the actual law, de jure, exceptions and deceptions surely have been created and lived which take the eremitic life into more temporality in practice and effect than what CL603 actually stipulates.  Living the law, CL603, as written would lead the hermit to more spiritual practicum and benefit to hermits and for the Church.

Today's Mass' Psalm reading provides the calm assurance compared to that set to writing above, that disrupts and creates even more questions and distractions than of what my mind, heart, and soul yearns.  I do not plan to revisit the above CL603 inconsistencies. 

I pray that if the Lord desires CL603 for me, that He will do so with wanting me to remain true and solid in living out what the canon law states, of which I would be by church law professing the counsels and giving either my vow or a sacred bond--does not need to be both even though I have both--in the presence and in the hands of--which infers approval--of the diocese bishop.  

Otherwise better to focus on Jesus and ask the Lord to please understand my dilemma, and accept me as His own nothing hermit, known to none other but God alone.  I seek and pray for God's will for me in this situation, decision, step.  Pray, be still, and listen.

"As the hind longs for the running waters,
so my soul longs for you, O God.
Athirst is my soul for God, the living God.
When shall I go and behold the face of God?
Send forth your light and your fidelity;
they shall lead me on
and bring me to your holy mountain,
to your dwelling place.
Then will I go in to the altar of God,
the God of my gladness and joy;
Then will I give you thanks upon the harp,
O God, my God!"  

               ~ Ps 42:2-3; 43:3-4

God bless His Real Presence in us!

Note:  I painted a bedroom ceiling! Victory for being out of bed to do that manual labor, and it came to me that if there were not CL603 for hermits, but had hermits remained that of private profession of the traditional historical carrying for of the legacy of centuries of hermits, there would be no reason for inconsistencies or hypocrisies; there would be no law being broken or altered or interpreted in all types of ways without means of supervision or adjudication or consequences and correction of infringements.  Nothing could be broken; there would simply be hermits striving toward the ideal set forth over the ages by saintly, holy hermits known by their proven fruit.  

Catholic Hermit: Focus on Jesus and His Dad

Am doing all I can to out-psyche my nothingness who prefers bed to anywhere else in the world.  It is the most comfortable spot for this pained body, especially the spine.  I set the pain doctor appointment intentionally in the morning to force myself up and out.  Was couple days ago and had to be in bed rest of day due to to having to drive to orthopedic specialist the day before.  These were the first times I've been out from hermitage in I think three weeks--since the intrathecal pump trial external injection.  Not even sure of dates and days and weeks, which is as well.

This morning I forced up to drive to Lowe's because they've been wanting me to pick up the bathroom cabinets and some additional pieces special ordered for the upstairs' bathroom renovation.  Hard to believe--ordered them back in February before COVID-19 became our existences.  When at Lowe's, had to wait two hours while they looked for four cabinet boxes and one end piece--and could not find the other two packaged items:  toe kick plate and scribe molding.  

I wanted to remain outside due to the place being jam-packed with customers, and most did not wear masks, but there were far more than when I did a curbside pick-up at Home Depot--was that three weeks ago, also?  However, I had to remain inside by the pro-desk for the bulk of the time waiting because I was told the employee looking for the  rest of items would be "right back," and then I'd be "checked out."   I wore a mask but wished I'd had a tighter fit one, or had brought the ventilator type mask I used for asbestos removal and insulation install.  Maybe seems like over-kill, but had phone call that the spouse of the older friend who passed from COVID three days ago, also has it.  Their adult daughters are removing her from the retirement facility that has been horrible in lack of care and their decision to not have staff wear masks until later on in the pandemic.

While waiting, I observed customers and employees.  There is much that I could describe, most distressing as to humanity's seemingly becoming increasingly "out for him- or herself"--survival of the fittest, to each his own.  It seemed as if the masks (many employees wore them, a good thing) were somehow causing an effect of employees thinking they had some invisibility.  The place was more packed than I've ever seen a store!  Finally, I said to give up on trying to find the added items ordered, and while they loaded my truck I commented on how busy!  The pro-desk man who was helping load said that today was nothing like last Monday (when we were supposedly still on lockdown), as it was their biggest sales day on record.

So much for Slowing the Spread....  I was finding it difficult to focus on Jesus.  I also considered St. Joseph, His earthly dad.  I somehow had thought that perhaps it being the first day of some major restrictions lifted, that people were shopping even more than a Black Friday sales promotion of which I've heard stores are packed--but no, not if last Monday this Lowe's store had it's highest sales ever.  I kind of figured the shoppers were not there thinking about St. Joseph the Worker--inspired to get to work on projects of their own or the contractors and carpenters there picking up supplies for their jobs.

Inner feelings can easily be riled if one does not focus on Jesus.  I recognized just how easily that can occur, especially with added thoughts and changes of ways of being that the coronavirus has brought to all peoples everywhere in the world.  We must remind ourselves that this is not forever.  At least this particular strain of COVID-19 is not forever.  There will be a vaccine; there already is a promising antidote medication that is fast-track approved by the FDA and being used as of today.

But how difficult it is, now that I am trying consciously focus on Jesus, to keep at bay the distractions that can start to roil within.  Divisiveness can take hold and even root in!  I became irked by customers who were not wearing masks and not social distancing.  For pity's sake!  When a customer without a mask rested his arm, hand, and upper body on the large cabinet box.  (Does he not know that the virus can stay on cardboard surfaces for a day or more?)   Mercy!  I was shocked with my surprise reaction, for I did not think I'd feel these frustrations and temptation to being testy, snappy.

How this pandemic has caused thoughts and concerns we'd never anticipated just two months ago!  The divisiveness comes to the fore when we realize there are those who are trying to be compliant and do all possible to do what will slow or even stop the spread of COVID-19, and those who do not take it seriously are feel in good enough health or not in older age bracket that it does not matter to them;  and there are those who don't like anyone such as government federal, state, or local to tell them what to do.

Got home with the bulk of cabinet order, and spoke with someone who had struggled with similar thoughts but has had more situations of being disappointed as is not a hermit and has many friends and acquaintances--sadly too many who outright say they don't care, or that this is just how it is and people weaker will simply die.  We spoke of learning much about others and ourselves through this pandemic situation, and perhaps life will not ever truly be back to how it was BC (before Covid) because for one thing, we will have discovered the character of other people, and they us.  Differences in character and nobility will also cause division among people; some friendships will alter or dissolve altogether.

I mentioned a major way forward is forgiveness, but the other also mentioned that there will always be a knowing of disappointment in those who choose to have been more selfish than selfless, who were out for themselves and not to uplift and support communally in cooperation for doing what protects others and self, for the greater good of all.  

I then mentioned the admonition a couple days ago:  Focus on Jesus.  This focusing on Jesus, while more of a challenge--as I'm realizing especially when there are distractions of all types--even ones that come to me in the silence of solitude and stricter separation from the world when in the hermitage.  But to FOCUS ON JESUS as Son of God and Lord and Savior, as well as Jesus as one who was born, lived among mankind, and had a mom and dad, and the dad teaching the Son the carpentry/stone mason trade--helps all the more in having all else fade in comparison to when not focusing on Jesus.

A neighbor man noticed me backing my truck into drive and the boxes on it. I finished the conversation, as the man and his son came over to unload it for me.  What an unexpected blessing from Jesus and His dad--of that I'm convinced!  I was going to use the ramp I'd made of wood and brackets to hook onto the Precious Blood pick-up truck tailgate, and slide and push the boxes into the house--other than I knew there'd be no way I could probably slide the large cabinet off the truck without a miracle assist from my guardian angel and also St. Joseph.  But God Provided yet again through the dad and his son from next door....

Was rare for me to have some cash, but I'd recently turned a year older and elderly aunt had sent $20.  Perhaps the dad can treat his wife and seven children to some milkshakes with it; it won't go far, and he did not even want to take that, but St. Joseph and Jesus would have been paid for their work and rightly so.  My back is so appreciative! In fact, in honor of St. Joseph and Jesus on this Solemnity of St. Joseph as worker, I cut out more hunks of carpet and pad and carried to trash bin, and then after resting some, started spray painting a bookcase for The Priests Room upstairs, and finally planted some geraniums and petunias in three hanging baskets left over from last summer.

So much easier focusing on Jesus in Solus Deus Hermitage--but I know not to be duped in thinking I've caught on.  The devil will not want people focusing on Jesus because there is peace and joy, there is perspective and understanding, there is forgiveness and wisdom and faith, hope, and love no matter the world's disruptions and disappointments, crises and pandemics the world over and right within dwellings and the families therein.

Today is the first day I can recall since surgery last July, that I have been out of bed for this long...or so it seems.  Thanks be to God despite how the body might feel tomorrow.  Right now is bad enough with the high pain level, and thus lengthier blog post.  Yet I want to also include this portion of what Pope St. John Paul II said in a May 1, 2003 General Audience, regarding St. Joseph (the Worker).

"Today is also a wonderful occasion to reflect on the importance of work in the life of the human person, the family and the community.  We are made in the image and likeness of God, we participate with God in the work of maintaining and sanctifying His creation.  We work with Jesus; Jesus said, 'My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working' (Jn 5:17).

"Every day St. Joseph, as a carpenter, provided for the family's needs with manual work.  Thus the Church rightly points to him as the patron of workers."

"The dignity of the human person is constructed through work, and in the light of this truth, we can clearly perceive the fundamental connection between the person, work, and society.  Human activity--the Second Vatican Council recalls--proceeds from the human person and is ordered to the person.  According to God's design and will, it must serve the true good of humanity and allow 'man as an individual and as a member of society to cultivate and carry out his integral vocation' (cf Guadium et spes, n. 35).

"In order to fulfill this mission, a 'tested spirituality of human work' must e cultivated that is firmly rooted in the 'Gospel of work,' and believers are called to proclaim and to witness to the Christian meaning of work in their many activities and occupations (cf. Laborem exercnes, n. 26).  

Catholic Hermit: Focus on Jesus, Simple and Easy?

One would think that remaining focused on Jesus would be easy.  Indeed, it is "simple" in the essence, the statement, to "focus on Jesus." But this nothing consecrated Catholic hermit realizes already that while it is simple enough to state and to desire, focusing on Jesus is not easy commensurate with the amount of distractions that abound to hijack simply to focus on Jesus.

We understand from the Gospel of John, Jesus' living Word recorded in 6:35-40, how and why Jesus is to be our focus.  Jesus "came down from heaven not to do My own will but the will of the One Who sent Me."  "Jesus said to the crowds, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.'" 

And, we are told all the more clearly by Jesus:  "For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.'"

Yet last night already I vented in an email my opinions and frustrations regarding someone who keeps building more problems and bad choices upon an initial bad choice.  Now the complication is finally marrying and bringing a second child into the world, but the bad choice initially remains; and now there was the outcome of a choice to take the children and move out, and move in with the person texting the prayer request.

I did not simply keep my focus on Jesus.  Rather I opined and offered advice, such as the one person in this complication of bad choices made upon bad choices over the course of now nearly five years and two innocent children later, is that the one person will need counseling with a clinical psychologist adept in video addictions and whatever else, and the other person would do well with counseling by a clinical psychologist on co-dependency and whatever else. 

But the problem with what persons might need that would help them, is that most do not realize nor accept what would help, nor to the level of the person best suited to help--beyond a Masters' level counseling degree or the advice of others not trained or specialized in such matters.  

All this of my mind and thoughts opining and frustrated over what could have been rather predictable in that most of us who are older have lived through and still do, is noting our human proclivity to make bad choices and heap more upon them until we face ourselves and others realistically.  And what is obvious to me in its simplicity yet again clear:  Focus on Jesus.  

Had I focused on Jesus and not the complicated mess that the prayer request back-history entails, I'd not have spent time and energy and mental thought and heartfelt emotion on relaying the obvious frustrations and unasked-for advice.  

Praying for conversions and deeper conversions is also simple enough.  No need to go into all the thoughts and emotions of facts of bad choice begetting more bad choices upon bad choices like a kink or knot in yarn tangling all the more until a seemingly impossible entanglement of yarn requiring cutting out the knotted, tangled mess and starting over with far less yarn than one was given to begin with and try to continue the project of living based upon the effects of having to cut and begin again yet with the remnants and consequences of that mess created from persisting in bad choices.

This is true of all of us humans who take our eyes, minds, hearts, and souls off the focus on Jesus.  Or, we might be praying and think we are including Jesus in "our" thoughts and actions, but we are not waiting in listening nor assuring ourselves of the reality that our focus is on Jesus.  So many human and temporal factors, including the devil's quick movement in on any opening provided, easily distract and disrupt what on the outset or surface seems easy and simple enough:  Focus on Jesus.

Even aspects of the temporal church, the more secular and human aspects, can sometimes distract us from a simple focus on Jesus.  Our human weaknesses and natures can put a kink or knot and then over time make a mess of our simply focusing on Jesus in the way He desires and asks of us.  Pride is a major bugaboo, and any type of pain or other weaknesses of body, mind, and emotions--especially of the senses.  

My own more recent tendencies that have taken root as a result of higher level of physical pain and the weariness it engenders, is to distract from the pain with that which does not help me focus on Jesus.  I can tell myself all kinds of  excuses or reasons that I can make seem as if logical or not harmful.  And having news droning in background noise or used as a distraction from pain, only keeps me from the energy I'd muster to focus on Jesus even if simply being still in the bed, and going into the pain rather than trying to run from it.  

Or, I could focus on Jesus through more focus on His Word or focus on those who were adept and gained the ability to focus on Jesus in their life times on earth--focus on the saints and spiritual masters and their writings and advice or just let the mind think about them, such as Catherine of Siena today on her feast day.  She focused on Jesus.  

Facing reality in oneself when it comes to honestly noting if one has focus on Jesus, can be powerfully revealing.  If it is not at all easy and not as simple as it seems on the face of those three words--focus on Jesus--then why is it difficult and complex? The answer lies within the person's mind, heart, and soul.  If honest and one prays to have the curtains rent and the scales removed from one's eyes--inner eyes as well as outer--the reality of the various distractions that are not Jesus will be exposed.  

Then one must decide to face that one prefers to focus on all these other things and situations and persons and ourselves that are entangling messes to one degree or other, or also just wastes of time and energy of God-created and given mind and heart and soul.  Decide to focus on Jesus, or to focus part-time on Him, or mostly on Him or a tiny bit on Him, or focus all on Jesus.

I myself also must pray and sincerely ask Jesus what He truly wants of me.

I have repeated this prayer since late yesterday, and I know from spiritual experience over the years, and practical experience, also, that Jesus will answer and maybe already has.  I have to be patient in the waiting to recognize the answer; that is the usual problem I face--not recognizing the answer that mostly Jesus gives me right away or fairly soon after I've asked Him for an answer.  So Jesus in His mercy answers again and again in different ways to try to help me recognize His answer.  

Already I think I know the answer to what Jesus truly wants of me, at least in the generalized answer.  Jesus wants me to simply FOCUS ON HIM.  That's a start, anyway, and likely the middle and end of it.  Focus on Jesus.  Whatever other I might find "to do" such as writing or getting out of bed and dressing and planting some geraniums and petunias that have been sitting in their containers too long already, wanting transplanting, can all be accomplished while I focus on Jesus.  

This very post of which I am writing, is all about focusing on Jesus.  It is simple when put in writing, and it is easy when I am reminded of the answer to my questions also being to focus on Jesus.  Yes, years ago John the Baptist also tried to tell me how to learn and grow in Christ--and ended his private lesson locution to me by asking, "Now that is truly simple, is it not?"  To keep going, to simply keep going.  

I must simply keep going in focusing on Jesus.  Just focus on Jesus, my true and only hope:  Jesus.  Focus on Jesus!

God bless His Real Presence in us!

Catholic Hermit: From Fr. V: Focus on Jesus

Fr. V. responded to correspondence; what he wrote I find so helpful and true, wise and regenerative in focus on and in Jesus, that I find it too marvelous to not share to anyone coming upon this blog.  He had been so patiently praying and fielding my concerns and questioning of certain aspects of the temporal butting up against and twisting the spiritual, or trying to impose itself upon and inventing or creating what is not even actuality or truth in the spiritual--law and ways of man distracting from the law of God.

Fr. V. cut through my frustrations and plaints, even though I'd already accepted the reality of the temporal and the spiritual detachment necessary to float above it yet recognize the fallacies, hypocrisies, and pitfalls while retaining compassion and a humble compliance in the ways of whatever crosses.  

"Thanks for your prayers for the people of Nigeria and the entire world. I always pray for you for the grace to accept the pains and other hardships for the sake of the kingdom.

"As you rightly pointed out, it is difficult for people to understand someone who seems to be different.  It's even more difficult when people are functioning under false conviction.  This was the problem of the Pharisees and the Scribes.  They were "convinced" of all that the scriptures said about the Messiah:  For sure He cannot come from Nazareth.  It was this conviction that made them to kill Him because He was making Himself the Son of God.  

"This has been an age-long problem and continues to be.  Our position or fellowship with Jesus does not prevent from this prejudice.  The two disciples on the way to Emmaus had this "conviction."  They believed in the man Jesus who was considered great before God and man:  AND THEY WERE HOPING THAT HE WILL SAVE ISRAEL FROM THE ROMAN AUTHORITY.   It was because of this that after the Great Disappointment of Good Friday, they have to go back to their homes and continue with their old trade.  

"It's only the Light of the Holy Spirit that can remove this false conviction from our mind and lead us TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH.  And true, true, this is not easy.  I enjoin you to always fix your mind on Jesus and ask Him to help to know what He truly want from you.

"Remain in His Love.  Accepting and spreading falsehood is quite easy; it's truth that is difficult to accept and teach."

So simple, when it is laid out like this, or so it seems to me.  All the distractions between the unnecessary (seems to be) death of older friend who was a sitting duck in a costly retirement health facility when they all were doing as told:  staying in their rooms for five weeks and counting, no visitors.  

But staff employees were not wearing masks nor gloves until a couple or three weeks ago; and sure enough, some employee/s must have brought it in--for none of the residents were going out nor anyone other than staff coming in.  Ron lost his battle with COVID-19 today in an isolation room of a hospital.  His wife was finally tested but no staff wants to come into their apartment other than one nurse in hazmat suit must do it once  a day to take vitals; and no one has said the results in five days when it was to be known in 24 hours.

Distractions with news and politics of the global pandemic, distractions with news of a relative's finding out abdominal malignant mass is gone after months of chemotherapy--but three spots on lungs discovered on PET scan results so immediately had more chemotherapy and on to a pulmonologist.  Distractions with the usual of temporal responsibilities, abode maintenance, bodily tending, and for me, pain, pain, pain--just distractions after distractions.  

Distractions with people not accepting those with all kinds of differences--physical, mental, spiritual, mystical; personality types and temperament styles; mindsets, external locus of control, internal locus of control.  Distractions with laws of men and processes of discerning and judging for that which has not been necessary for centuries but is now; distractions with recognizing the confusions of those who function under false convictions, who cannot see the spiritual realities, the spiritual truth, the supernatural--the spiritual view.  

So FOCUS ON JESUS.  This is the complete truth given us by God:  Jesus Christ His Son, true God and true Man.

I already sent the simple text of Fr. V.'s message to someone far away, who has felt distracted and frustrated lately.  I suspect many of us are in this rut of distractedness in a variety of ways and feelings, for a variety of reasons and temporal, false convictions. So just FOCUS ON JESUS.

And I will ask Jesus purely, simply, directly:  What does He truly want of me?

God bless His Real Presence in us!  Faith, Hope, and Love in God!