Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Ann Gauger's avatar

Dear Jack,

You don't know me. I have only begun here, having discovered your substack from someone else. I can relate. to your situation, though. I wanted very much to be a Benedictine nun devoted to the Divine Office, ora et labora, and contemplation. But that was not what God intended. He had a job for me in the world. I was to proclaim the glory of God as revealed in Creation.

This meant I was to be something of a public figure. I have struggled with pride and human respect and finding time for prayer. It has afforded me many opportunities for humiliation and rejection and even sometimes persecution, and a clear sense of my own need for Christ. He has been very good to me, and accomplished His purposes despite my weakness.

I look back on my life from the age of 70. Given my experience, I want to say to all Christians, especially to those still seeking: give yourself to Christ without reservation, you can absolutely trust him to guide you and give you what you need. He will fulfill his purpose for your life, often to your amazement, because you may not see it coming.

Whatever path God has for you, I pray you will be able to keep the stillness and inner peace of the monastery, and a deep love for God and his people. Lean on Christ. His power is made perfect in weakness. Trust.

Expand full comment
Paul Worthington's avatar

Jack, can only imagine the emotions behind writing this final post from the Hermitage. Having had the good fortune to have followed you over this year, it has been telling how your voice, through your work ,has become stronger and more resonant. You have been changed by this experience and it has been a blessing.

Thank you for the courage to share and to show your workings out this year. I’m at the start of my journey and your posts have meant a lot to me. I’m still edging towards finding my voice, unlearning the vocabulary that work and life to date gave me, but finally know what it means to walk with an open heart, rather than leading with my chin…

Courage for descending from the mountain, you carry the quietness and solitude within you, the background noise and bustle of the quotidian life can serve as the backdrop to the next chapter, the next thread in the tapestry that you’re weaving; the hubbub won’t drown out your spirit. And like you, I can see the orbit of related substacks gaining momentum. Looking forward to the podcasts and seeing your future contributions.

If you do decide to come over to the UK/ Ireland to visit your brother or to share a stage with Paul K, I’d be happy to offer hospitality and a bottle or two, for the price of a heartfelt conversation around the kitchen table.

Take care.

Expand full comment
65 more comments...

No posts