One degree of separation

When we think of a "monk" we usually think of someone who has isolated himself from the world, so as not to be tainted by it. In his place of separation he is free to devote himself to God in prayer, fasting, meditation and Scripture reading and memorization. The monk is responding to the Apostle Paul's call to "pray without ceasing."

It is interesting to note, however, that the earliest Christian monastics (known as the Desert Fathers and Mothers) sought to separate themselves not so much from the world, but from the Church they saw as becoming secularized and too worldly. They saw a conflict between the teachings of Christ and the practices of the Church. They took what they felt were necessary steps to "come out from among them and be ye separate." They wanted nothing to come between them and their Lord - even if it was the Church! This "extreme practice" began as early as the third century. I'm sure John the Baptist would have applauded them!

Imagine that, the Church appearing too worldly..... surely not in our day!