Category: Hermit Life

You know one thing that growing older gives you, it is perspective. I don’t believe you can get that in any other way.

So many things that I thought were absolutely sure when I was younger, I no longer am so certain of. Age brings forth wisdom, if we are open to looking at things differently.

Growing older doesn’t automatically mean you become wise. You only grow wise when you see things from God’s perspective, and then act accordingly. Much of growing older is unlearning.

For me, faith has been difficult. I’ve gone through my doubts, my disbeliefs and my struggles. The truth is, it’s harder to believe than not to. But I’d rather have a faith troubled by doubt, than a doubt. troubled by faith.

They say that a faith that can’t be tested can’t be trusted. My faith has been tested, and it has failed. But I have gotten up and I have returned. Like the prodigal son, I return to the Father’s loving arms. Great is our God!

“For they do not speak peace, But they devise deceitful matters Against the quiet ones in the land” (Ps. 35:20).

Hermits should be “the quiet ones in the land.” For they live in solitude and hiddennesse. They do what the Apostle Paul said:

“But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing” (1 Thes. 4:20-12).

Lead a Quiet Life

Hermits “aspire to lead a quiet life.” For they have retired from social interactions to dedicate their lives to being with God. And so they “mind” their “own business.” They do not get entangled in the affairs of others.

Quiet Ones Beware

But it is the quietones that the devil fears the most. They are harder to distract, harder to lead astray by outward means. He must use more cunning tactics. He must get them distracted by their own selfish tendencies, their own lusts and desires.

Quiet ones beware. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).

You are born alone, and you die alone. Yet, how we fight against this reality.

Before you begin a deeper walk with God, know that that walk will be a lonely one. The closer you get to God, the further you’ll be from people.

Leonard Ravenhill said it well:

Great eagles fly alone; great lions hunt alone; great souls walk alone-alone with God. Such loneliness is hard to endure, and impossible to enjoy unless God accompanies them. Prophets are lone men; they walk alone, pray alone and God makes them alone.

A religious habit, as I am using it here, refers to a distinctive set of clothing worn by members of a religious order. Certain monastic orders have standardized their color and style.

Hermit Habit

Throughout history, many hermits also wore habits, but this was never required or standardized. Personally, I would advise against wearing a habit for modern hermits. At least those not associated with an official organization.

Rather I think we should follow the advice of a desert father known as Abba Muthues. He said:

“Wherever you dwell conduct yourself in a simple manner like every one else, and what you see those who fear God do, that is, those whom you have confidence in, that do also, and you will be at ease. For to be as all other men are is true humility, and the men who see that you are like all other men will regard you as they regard every one else, and you will not be troubled.”

Plain and Simple

I am not your bishop, superior or abbot. This is just my advice, you can take it or leave it. But I think you might see some wisdom in what I suggest.

Dress plainly, without designer clothes or clothing with brands on it. Plain and simple should be the rule. No flashy clothes, bright colors, or anything to attract attention. Blend it, don’t stand out.

This is all in harmony with the idea of hiddenness. You are fleeing the world, therefore flee their fashions and fads. Think practical, high quality, long lasting, and multipurpose. Not just in clothing, but in all things. Think minimalism and simplicity and practicality.

Hidden Habit

I do wear a hidden habit, that most people never see. It is the symbol of my dedication to the hermit life. It is a simple rope necklace with a small wooden cross on it. It has been blessed with holy water and prayer.

It is helpful to carry with you a symbol of your vocation. What you choose should match your calling. Some might want to wear a necklace like the metal of St. Benedict or another saint. Others might wear a ring, have a bracelet, or carry something in their pocket. It’s up to you.

What is a real hermit? The Oxford English Dictionary defines a hermit as “a person living in solitude as a religious discipline.” It defines solitude as “the state or situation of being alone.” And it defines alone as “having no one else present.”

A Married Hermit

But since I am married and living with my wife, I cannot say that “no one else” is “present.” But I do spend the majority of my waking hours alone, and I am doing it “as a religious discipline.” So I am a hermit.

I mean, after all, the vast majority of hermits were never alone all the time. Even the Desert Fathers occasionally meet, with some Abbas having disciples actually staying with them. So the solitude is not absolute. So that does not disqualify me.

I will admit that married hermits are an oddity, but they are not unheard of. Paul and Karen Karper Fredette are contemporary examples. But history records others.

Not a Recognized Hermit

But, someone might say, you are not recognized by the Roman Catholic Church as a hermit under canon 603. That is correct, I am not a Roman Catholic hermit. But I never claimed to be. I am a Christian hermit.

In fact, I am not even accepted as a hermit in the Episcopal Church, to which I belong. But then, I have never sought such acceptance.

I Don’t Believe It

If you don’t think I am a real hermit, I am okay with that. I am not seeking recognition. Then just think of me as a lover of God and the solitude that promotes it. At least be charitable, dear brother or sister.

Honestly, I am not going to argue with anyone about this. I am just a sinner seeking to honor my Creator. I am what I am by His amazing grace.

I Am Not Worthy

I am not worthy to be counted among the hermits of the deserts of Egypt. Please go read Anthony the Great, Paul of Thebes, Pachomius, and the other Desert Fathers and Mothers.

I believe God called me to be a hermit and have a ministry of helping those taking the road of solitude in the mystic way. Whether you accept it doesn’t matter to me. I wish you nothing but peace, love, and happiness.