I bought this little book after I watched a movie about
St. Charbel that is available on Youtube.
One story mentioned in the book is this: after his
ordination to the priesthood, Charbel’s family wanted him to come and visit
them one more time. He declined to do so, saying, “The religious who visits his
parents and stays with them after his ordination has to start becoming a monk
all over again.”
That may seem extreme, but the author of the book points out
that Charbel was deeply influenced by the Imitation
of Christ, where it is written that
“The monk who leaves his
monastery is like a fish out of water; he dies.”
“I have never been among men
without returning less of a man.”
The author goes on to note that:
This unnecessary return to the
world which, according to the Imitation,
renders one imperfect, constituted for Charbel a lack of sincerity in the
seeking out of God, and a step backwards.
I myself have thought quite a bit recently about the
implications of leaving one’s family – completely – in order to commit oneself
to the eremitic life. The reality of it is staggering, in my view.
Lord
Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.
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