[E]very day in the hermitage becomes a seeking of the Lord and His presence. A question that often comes up in the spiritual directions is the relationship between the desert, as it is perceived, and the market place.

The real question we must ask ourselves is, “Where is the deepening silence and solitude? Is it merely in the lack of exterior things, or is within us waiting to be discovered and lived?”

[As for things] some items are beneficial to our daily life and vocation, and some can be harmful and disturb our interior life. We must be vigilant, and discerning in our use of things.

If we learn to give thanks for what God has blessed us with that particular day and for the people who have provided such items, but not seek to grasp or hold on to the people or items, then the storms of a  passing world will not disturb our inner peace.

Our true life and identity is with, and in, God Alone.

Live simply and travel lightly. Each time you bring a new object or book into your hermitage, ask yourself if it will be a blessing and help you on your journey through the desert, or whether it may turn out to be a curse in disguise.

Will the items you bring into your hermitage add to the silence of your little house, or disturb both it and your interior silence?

Our life of worship in the House of God, the Gate of Heaven, is not focused on the material but on adoration and praise of the One in whom we live , move and have our being—the God who came seeking us long before we ever thought about Him or offered our first prayer.

(This letter is from a monk-priest who wanders as a pilgrim in the U.K. and prefers to remain anonymous. It is presented here with minimal editing. Please pray for him.)