Nun Myths Debunked: A Selfish Life
Myth #5 — The Contemplative Life is Selfish
While most people would not phrase it so bluntly, this assumption lies at the root of many critiques of contemplative life. After all, isn’t it like being on a “perpetual retreat,” detached from the cares of the world, dreamily unconcerned about anything but one’s own growth in holiness?
“The nuns may frequently, or even habitually, be called in prayer to share in the abandonment of Jesus. While ever seeking the face of the Father, they tranquilly entrust themselves to the action of the Spirit, content to suffer aridity, or even the naked suffering of Jesus in their spirit, remembering that they must ‘undergo all this, so as to enter into His glory.’”
In fact, those who enter a monastery with such self-centered attitudes are unlikely to persevere! The ideal of our life is quite the opposite: we strive to live completely “for Christ and for His Body, which is the Church.” The many small and large sacrifices demanded by cloistered life help to purify our motives of any selfishness, as we seek to offer ourselves more and more generously for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Yes, we spend a great part of our day in prayer — but not so that we can bask in consolation and spiritual insights!
The Church has deputed us to be her “professional pray-ers,” and as such we must remain faithful to our work of prayer in good times and in bad, when we feel like it and when we would rather be anywhere else. Just like physical mothers, spiritual mothers must be at the service of their suffering children at all times! It can be tempting to ignore the 4:30 AM alarm clock, to give in to frustration with someone, or to be satisfied with a job done “well enough.” But as religious and as intercessors, we have a particular obligation to resist these suggestions and seek always to do “the more.” And when lived generously, this becomes a daily growth in freedom and joy, as we learn to give ourselves more and more fully to God and to all His children!