Father Lazarus is a Coptic hermit living in one of the places where Saint Anthony lived in Egypt (Anthony is significant in Christian monastic history).
Fr Lazarus has had a fascinating story; an Australian who is now living the most radical consequence of the realisation that God is our end.
Rev. Peter Owen-Jones, an Anglican priest, in a BBC documentary goes to spend time where Father Lazarus lives:
As with so much of the desert and monastic tradition, much of what Fr Lazarus says and lives is applicable in our own lives – whatever the context (as Fr Peter Owen-Jones experiences and clarifies).
The book, Desert Father: In the Desert with Saint Anthony
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I have hesitated about any comment on Father Lazarus and Fr. Peter. Thinking about those early desert monks whom fr. lazarus is apparently emulating, I have long thought they were removed from what Christianity, if that is how we describe what Jesus as glimpsed in the Gospels points us towards, is really about, intense participation in day to say life. Certainly Jesus from time to time removed himself for contemplation, prayer but always returning to actively living in the present. The completely contemplative, withdrawn life can seem attractive and is deeply rooted in spirituality in general. i have read elsewhere that Fr Lazarus reminds Fr. Peter that he is there to bless the world by prayer. May I suggest that we better bless the world by constructive action. But then i do not see much evidence of a participating God. i believe the duty of building the “Kingdom” has been cast on us. To read St. Seraphim of Sarov “Acquire a peaceful spirit, and around you thousands will be saved’ sounds beautiful but is it really about really following Jesus.
I think I understand your point (and respect your hesitancy), Brian. But the fact that we are even discussing Fr Lazarus at all, and the impact that he has made through the book, videos, and BBC documentary alone is probably greater than many other Christians who are “completely active”. I guess that being the Body of Christ, hopefully each of us can pick up an aspect of Christ’s life and message – and for some, I am comfortable, that this is a greater focus on the contemplative dimension of Jesus’ life that you mention. Blessings.
Your response, Bosco, is rather as i anticipated and I know and FEEL its attraction. Yes I must agree that there are many aspects of Jesus”life and some will find more attractive than others. But more and more I believe we must centre on day to day life where however imperfectly we try to build what we call the kingdom of heaven. This to me is choosing life as Moses once asked and Jesus constantly calls to his apostles and through them to us. But let me say I do not cast aside other approaches to dealing with the mystery.
‘May I suggest that we better bless the world by constructive action.’
if only we knew what that is Brian- we feed and clothe others only to indoctrinate them one way or another, many in Christians’ care have been abused down the centuries…this man isn’t doing any harm and hermits have traditionally served as examples of devotion.
I am reminded of lines from Milton’s poem ( On His Blindness )-
“Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?”
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies: “God doth not need Either man’s work or his own gifts: who best Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed
And post o’er land and ocean without rest:
They also serve who only stand and wait.”
Romans has been my study this week, the most important of Saint Paul’s writings on what is Christianity, chapter 12 says
‘We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.’
Tracy, If prophecy is what Father Lazarus is doing perhaps he can be included in Paul’s rather activity focussed list. To be frank devotion as a sine qua non seems far removed from Jesus’ activities.
Given the nature of Milton’s life he did not often “stand and wait”.
Bonhoeffer spoke of cheap grace without servanthood, Kierkegaard of “admiring Christ instead of following Christ.” We are on a journey hopefully of transformation to being more effective members of our human family and remembering the primary call of discipleship. I sense something of the motivation and call of the Fathers Lazarus but I feel it is locked into an incomplete paradigm.
I suspect it was Brother Lawrence who said “Before enlightenment- chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment- chop wood, carry water.”
let me rest here.
Is there any such thing as a complete paradigm?
For most people their personal ‘time in the wilderness’ necessary to spiritual development probably isn’t becoming a hermit or a prophet. And for many- it’s a lot more arduous emotionally, dealing with life’s perceived exiles from grace…
‘let me rest here.’
Anywhere you need to Brian, you’ve certainly made me think about my recent illness-imposed hermitage, and things we talk about are just discussions. We’re all trying to do what feels right within our callings and limitations. Within the boundaries of respect every view-point is valid!
Blessings Tracy>
Praise Almighty God, Most High … that there are those whom are called, who answer with all their love, their heart, their mind, their will, their soul, their strength, their life choosing Him, only Him…to be with, to listen to, to surrender to, Him Who is Lord of all.
Father Lazarus has chosen the ‘one thing necessary’, and his entire life is given to God, as a sacrifice of a most radical kind, to the benefit of the Body of Christ and our world.
@ Brian Poidevin,
I’ve heard the same conclusion on contemplative life from a Jesuit in a homily.
Some can only see the value of Christian discipleship through some physical or outward action.
Who of us knows exactly what our faith through good works does, be it social action, or contemplative prayer for the Church and the whole world?