Let’s assume that God still calls men and women to the monastic life. There is no way to prove it in either the negative of the positive, because God isn’t speaking, at least not in any way we can measure, quantify, weigh and put in the balance. There’s nothing to tally up for either argument. We’re left to our own beliefs, and our own uncertainties.
But let’s assume, despite all the anecdotal evidence to the contrary, that God still invites some to live their lives out as monks. What, then, is going on? Why are so few responding, and of them, so few staying?
I believe it takes an exceptional composite of elements from psychological to experiential to come together for someone to enter and persevere in a monastery, more so today than at any other time in Christian monastic history. Still, the fulcrum for all is faith, deep, not looking back faith. Without it no combination of elements, no mater how impressive they may be from a human perspective, will suffice for a monastic vocation to, dare I use the word, “succeed”. By succeed I mean only that the call is heard deep within, responded to in generosity, and lived out perseveringly in even greater generosity. Surrender, after all, is the monk’s way to heaven, the only “success” that matters to him.
I am convinced there are young people, even middle aged people, who have had intimations, inklings that something more is required of them personally, and have had thoughts, however fleeting, that perhaps monastic life… What holds you back? What do you fear? Perhaps your trepidation is justified, after all what do you really know about such a distinctive way of life? Hooded figures, chanting in the night, the overarching silence, obedience, hiddenness, yes, perhaps there is something to be anxious about. Oh, the ego, the jealous doorman!
If I were counseling you I would counsel respect for this guardian at the gate, but I would also counsel you to have him open the door for you so you can go have a look around. After all, how else will you ever know?