Withdrawal from Society

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I have been having this same desire for sometime now. I am 55, married with adult children. I truly believe this is what Jesus wants of me. I still have to work and will continue to do so as an RN for a Medicaid HMO in Ohio. My wife and I do not really have any close friends although she does things frequently with her co-workers. So this would not be an issue for her. I just want to be as close to Jesus as I can. I am trying to stop watching TV since there seems to nothing but sex and violence in every show as well as the commercials. I spend much of my free time praying or reading spiritual reading, the lives of saints, etc. I am not judgmental of others even though they may be living in mortal sin. I know that Satan is strong and taking down as many souls as he can. So I pray for them. At work, it is best to be polite in coversation and only say what needs to be said. I know so often when I engage in conversations I come away feeling farther off from God than before I spoke. I do feel a little bit alone out here at times and it saps my motivation to continue at times. So I was really happy to see this post. I need to work out going to daily mass rather then eat lunch. I know this would strengthen my soul but something holds me back many times because I am so preoccupied with work. Pray for me as I will all of you that Jesus will be accomplished.

The Lord bless you and keep. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and give you peace!🙂
 
I’m 36 like another poster, busy mom, wife, and career. My family is my only comfort, outside of that I also becoming so detached from the material/earthly things and being amongst it all is like eating food with no taste. I feel as if I’m already living my purgutory, meaning that it aches and pains so much sometimes to tears that this beautiful world we are promised in eternity just isn’t mine to have right now. I want to be so close to Jesus that I know I’m going to get there eventually (at least I hope I will), just not yet. Thinking about all my family friends sometimes makes more sad because I worry all the time that we’ll all be seperated in the after-life, some of us won’t make it. There is nothing that gives me more pleasure now that praying my rosary, reading scripture, going to mass 2-3* week, etc.

To combat this agony, I search my soul and ask God guidence about what it is he wants me to accomplish here. I know I have a special mission, and many times I feel like his “Secret Agent”. I tell him to let his will be done through me to help all those close to me who need his mercy. I also try to remember those who have passed away and pray for their souls to reach heaven. There are so many disconnected from God and if I keep my focus centered on helping Jesus, sheppard his “lost sheep” and pray for them, then I don’t feel so detached. In fact, since I started doing this, now I see Jesus in people and things of this world I least expected to find and it makes me feel less detached:).
 
Bruno2153 said:
I have been having this same desire for sometime now. I am 55, married with adult children. I truly believe this is what Jesus wants of me. I still have to work and will continue to do so as an RN for a Medicaid HMO in Ohio. My wife and I do not really have any close friends although she does things frequently with her co-workers. So this would not be an issue for her. I just want to be as close to Jesus as I can. I am trying to stop watching TV since there seems to nothing but sex and violence in every show as well as the commercials. I spend much of my free time praying or reading spiritual reading, the lives of saints, etc. I am not judgmental of others even though they may be living in mortal sin. I know that Satan is strong and taking down as many souls as he can. So I pray for them. At work, it is best to be polite in coversation and only say what needs to be said. I know so often when I engage in conversations I come away feeling farther off from God than before I spoke. I do feel a little bit alone out here at times and it saps my motivation to continue at times. So I was really happy to see this post. I need to work out going to daily mass rather then eat lunch. I know this would strengthen my soul but something holds me back many times because I am so preoccupied with work. Pray for me as I will all of you that Jesus will be accomplished.

The Lord bless you and keep. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and give you peace!🙂
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You just described my daily struggle, Friend – to live in the world, but not of it. I’ve worked hard over the last three years to become a monk, of sorts, at work in the world, helping others. My favorite Catholic role-model in this regard is none other than Mother Teresa. I derive a lot of strength from reading and re-reading her works.
 
joannazenobia said:
I’m 36 like another poster, busy mom, wife, and career. My family is my only comfort, outside of that I also becoming so detached from the material/earthly things and being amongst it all is like eating food with no taste. I feel as if I’m already living my purgutory, meaning that it aches and pains so much sometimes to tears that this beautiful world we are promised in eternity just isn’t mine to have right now. I want to be so close to Jesus that I know I’m going to get there eventually (at least I hope I will), just not yet. Thinking about all my family friends sometimes makes more sad because I worry all the time that we’ll all be seperated in the after-life, some of us won’t make it. There is nothing that gives me more pleasure now that praying my rosary, reading scripture, going to mass 2-3* week, etc.

To combat this agony, I search my soul and ask God guidence about what it is he wants me to accomplish here. I know I have a special mission, and many times I feel like his “Secret Agent”. I tell him to let his will be done through me to help all those close to me who need his mercy. I also try to remember those who have passed away and pray for their souls to reach heaven. There are so many disconnected from God and if I keep my focus centered on helping Jesus, sheppard his “lost sheep” and pray for them, then I don’t feel so detached. In fact, since I started doing this, now I see Jesus in people and things of this world I least expected to find and it makes me feel less detached:).
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Living in imitation of Christ didn’t become the major theme of my life until I retired from the military and discovered teaching. At that point, God blessed me with my most important mission. It was revolutionary, to say the least, in as much as it totally changed my life. At last my profession perfectly meshed with my religion, and this union caused my overall sense of spiritually to flourish rather dramatically. As a result, these have been the happiest and most spiritually fulfilling years of my life. Everything I did prior, I view as preparation for this. Keep looking. You too shall find it.👍
 
KingAlfred said:
**I’m 52, a teacher, and very spiritual. As I get older, I find myself less interested in ‘adult drama’. In fact, I’ve made note of the fact I’ve withdrawn from most of the adults in my world, because none of them is a believer, and I have nothing to say to them. Although I feel isolated, I also believe this is what God wants for me. Is anyone else experiencing this? **
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I’m on board with the rest of you I guess. 40 yo,and if it were’nt for my wife and kids I would be quite a happy hermit / monk. Most of my childhood friendships have fallen away from time , distance, and their unbelief. I’m not bothered by that at all really . We all make our own decisions. You can’t drag anyone to the cross.
 
KingAlfred said:
**I’m 52, a teacher, and very spiritual. As I get older, I find myself less interested in ‘adult drama’. In fact, I’ve made note of the fact I’ve withdrawn from most of the adults in my world, because none of them is a believer, and I have nothing to say to them. Although I feel isolated, I also believe this is what God wants for me. Is anyone else experiencing this? **
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Hello Alfred,

I’m 53 and some 12 years ago I discovered Thomas Merton.

Reading your thread reminds me of one of his works, “No Man Is an Island”.

In it he teaches that to be in solitude one does not need to go from one geographic location to another. One can be alone with the Lord even in the middle of a crowd.

The first Merton book I ever read is called “Seeds of Contemplation”.

His theology is so simple that even I can understand it…🙂

Hope this helps.
 
I’m 39 and feel this way , I enjoy being with my family…I work at night, and I love it b/c there’s only a few people I have to talk to, and most of them are Christians too…my husband is very religious too…I have small children, so being by myself is not too frequent, but I thank God for such a wonderful family…Ever since I 've had Jesus in my heart, I have felt the “adult drama” boring and mundane…
If people live according to God’s rules, they would avoid a lot of problems…
 
I’m so happy to read all of your posts - to know that there are others experiencing the same thing I am is such a comfort. I started feeling so selfish spending so much time in prayer and reflection. I too am a teacher and when returning from the weekend or one of the longer breaks people want to talk about the things they did and places they went. I generally don’t say too much because I spend time with God and go to Mass and Adoration. I long to teach in a Catholic school where there might be others to share with, but I don’t think that’s to be at least not now, so thanks to all of you who haved shared - I don’t feel so alone!! :signofcross:
 
Like others, I am so glad and relieved to see so many posting in this discussion. I work and have a young family. I enjoy being with my family and outside of that, I am finding more comfort and joy in spiritual reading, prayer, adoration, and listening or watching EWTN than with things of the secular world. My husband thinks there needs to be balance but I’m afraid if I don’t immerse myself with daily reminders of my faith, I will lose my way. I keep reminding myself that life on earth is temporal but eternity is forever so shouldn’t we try to do what we can to save our soul as well as others’ souls?
 
annie678 said:
I’m so happy to read all of your posts - to know that there are others experiencing the same thing I am is such a comfort. I started feeling so selfish spending so much time in prayer and reflection. I too am a teacher and when returning from the weekend or one of the longer breaks people want to talk about the things they did and places they went. I generally don’t say too much because I spend time with God and go to Mass and Adoration. I long to teach in a Catholic school where there might be others to share with, but I don’t think that’s to be at least not now, so thanks to all of you who haved shared - I don’t feel so alone!! :signofcross:
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**I can relate completely. I especially steer clear of teacher-lounge gossip. It’s one of the most negative forces I’ve ever encountered, from a spiritual perspective. I actually envision the false teachers with whom Jesus contended whenever I see the gossip circles form. **
 
thankful4grace said:
Like others, I am so glad and relieved to see so many posting in this discussion. I work and have a young family. I enjoy being with my family and outside of that, I am finding more comfort and joy in spiritual reading, prayer, adoration, and listening or watching EWTN than with things of the secular world. My husband thinks there needs to be balance but I’m afraid if I don’t immerse myself with daily reminders of my faith, I will lose my way. I keep reminding myself that life on earth is temporal but eternity is forever so shouldn’t we try to do what we can to save our soul as well as others’ souls?
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**No offense to your husband, but I believe interaction with The World of Man, in search of some kind of personal gratification, can be spiritually dangerous. The World of Man is corrupt, and not at all oriented toward God, most of the time. When we venture into it, as our Lord did, we must maintain our Christian dignity, at all costs. *The Imitation of Christ *urges us to speak only of positive things on such occasions, even things of God. Just my opinion. Thanks for your comments. I appreciate it. **
 
The concept is that in course of time your material affinities decrease and the divine leanings increase until the day comes when there is total transfer into the spiritual world.Withdrawal from society is such sign but is total withdrawal possible and wise.For example if you go for daily mass you come across people with the same mindset and thus you could choose your friends.If you are married and have Children you have certain duties that you have to perform.If a close relative invites you to his birthday can you refuse?There are in short certain obligations we have to perform.The movement towards the Spiritual sphere should also be accompanied by a sense of Humility though we are touched by God we are not superior to others but on the other hand we are Gods servants.Are we in a position to give something to our neighbour.Evangelisation is not only the responsibilty of the clergy but by eveyrone who has been touched by God.Give the good news to those that have not received it by words,deeds or by example
 
By their fruits you shall know them: Does your withdrawal from society result in the fruits of the Spirit?
 
antonabe said:
The concept is that in course of time your material affinities decrease and the divine leanings increase until the day comes when there is total transfer into the spiritual world.Withdrawal from society is such sign but is total withdrawal possible and wise.For example if you go for daily mass you come across people with the same mindset and thus you could choose your friends.If you are married and have Children you have certain duties that you have to perform.If a close relative invites you to his birthday can you refuse?There are in short certain obligations we have to perform.The movement towards the Spiritual sphere should also be accompanied by a sense of Humility though we are touched by God we are not superior to others but on the other hand we are Gods servants.Are we in a position to give something to our neighbour.Evangelisation is not only the responsibilty of the clergy but by eveyrone who has been touched by God.Give the good news to those that have not received it by words,deeds or by example
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I know one of Jesus’ message for his followers is to let your light shine, like the parable with the lamp. We wouldn’t put a lamp in a cupboard or closet, where light couldn’t illuminate the room, we’d put the light out so it could brighten all the room. So when we go out into the world and engage in everyday things, all of it can be holy if we let Jesus’ love and passion shine through us so others can see it. Regardless if its a party we go to, or if we engage in a conversation with a stranger. My old District Manager used to have a favorite word for my store whenever he saw a part of the store that was falling to shambles, he called it an “Opportunity”. So when I go out into the world, meet people, and engage myself, I see it as an opportunity to let Jesus’s light touch those around me.
 
joannazenobia said:
I know one of Jesus’ message for his followers is to let your light shine, like the parable with the lamp. We wouldn’t put a lamp in a cupboard or closet, where light couldn’t illuminate the room, we’d put the light out so it could brighten all the room. So when we go out into the world and engage in everyday things, all of it can be holy if we let Jesus’ love and passion shine through us so others can see it. Regardless if its a party we go to, or if we engage in a conversation with a stranger. My old District Manager used to have a favorite word for my store whenever he saw a part of the store that was falling to shambles, he called it an “Opportunity”. So when I go out into the world, meet people, and engage myself, I see it as an opportunity to let Jesus’s light touch those around me.
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Very well said,I agree with you totally.God Bless You.
 
The way I see it is its different for some than others. Some need to be around people and others need silence and solitude. My brother stayed with me twice while recovering from addiction this past year. Both times he couldn’t wait to leave to get back to civilization/people and I couldn’t wait for him to leave to get back to silence 🙂 For years I used to force myself to be around people and go out ect… Then I realized how miserable I was making myself trying to be something I’m not.
 
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