"...and going forth from the rank of their brethren well trained for single combat in the desert, [the Hermits] are able, with the help of God, to cope single-handed without the help of others, against the vices of the flesh and evil thought."
Benedict sees the spiritual life in stages — most notably, beginners always need help and guidance. Indeed, the greenest of neophytes needs constant attention in overcoming the most basic of vices. These are, of course, lust and gluttony. The first steps in self-discipline are learning to chastely and temperately control the body's impulses. Without such control of the body, the far more time consuming mastery of our spiritual vices-- avarice, possessiveness, pride, vanity, entitlement-- are beyond us.
While a kind of spiritual autonomy is reserved for those succesful anchorites, their achievement is the result of their formation in community. They are what we call "spiritually advanced" in wisdom, discipline, and learning. They have the strength to dwell in the desert having been tested among their fellow men.
This distinction between the low and the high, the ignorant and the learned, the young and the old in the faith, reminds us that we are born into a family and as children cannot go out on our own. Most, it would seem, are never ready— and even if they were, most are called to be father abbots such as Benedict himself.
Not all monks— indeed, probably few in fact— are expected to be a St. Paul the Hermit or an Anthony the Great. The level of self-control required is beyond most people. God ordinarily wants us to be ordinary, as St. Therese the "Little Flower" celebrated, and one of the basic needs of man is a society apportioned for the fullfillment of his inborn social nature.
To be tied to a community is thus an act of humility better called "spiritual realism" that acknowledges our dependency. It is without question a less celebrated but far more secure road to sanctity even if we could profit tremendously elsewhere in our spiritual adventures whether it be eremetic life or martyrdom.
Even so, where in the West do Christians shed their blood? And is not "solitary life" so readily parodied by vicious immitation of an "always online" shut-in?
In this day and age, where distractions and isolation reign, we should simply live by our principles together, consistently and vigilantly, and that alone would be enough.
Stay focused. Be intentional. Remain in Joy.
In theory, it is simple.
But the Holy Rule was not written as a treatise.
It is a manual.
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