In our society, the various aspects of aging, especially the physical aspect, are invariably part of daily conversations. But when one thinks about the spiritual aspect, the process of “aging is a natural monastery,” writes Father Ronald Rotheiser.
 
Gradually, the aging process turns everyone into a monk, a phase of self-reflection, and spiritual enrichment. Monks take four vows; poverty, chastity, obedience and perseverance. The process of aging—which often leads to marginalization, dependence on others, and into an imposed living conditions—could, in a manner of speaking, impose those four vows on us.
 
The “natural monastery” in our life, no matter at what age, is an opportunity to look oneself in the mirror without fear. The idea moved me to reflect on my own spiritual journey in life. As a monk’s vows reminds us, our society struggles with spiritual poverty, intellectual chastity, obedience to God’s will and perseverance in Faith.  We are called to be “monks” in Christ’s love and grace and find our spiritual monastery in our secular world.