With Humility and Simplicity

A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
 

Most people abhor the ideal of humility and/or simplicity simply because it does not fit in with their lifestyle. They respect members of religious orders who can and often do live a life of simplicity and humility, but for themselves the people who are not in religious life find all this counter-cultural and too difficult. But it's not that counter-cultural when seen in light of Jesus' words: "Jesus said to his disciples, 'Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.' When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, 'Who then can be saved?' But Jesus looked at them and said to them, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" (Mat. 19:23-26)

Jesus also said that He wants us to follow him by distributing our riches to the poor, taking just two tunics and a staff... And to this day, certain religious communities issue two tunics or habits to their members and that's it. There's a lesson to be learned here.  Simplicity is a philosophy of life. There's outer simplicity and inner simplicity. Living with less, is outer simplicity. Getting "more stuff" seems to be the American trend, because some associate power with wealth and with things. And oftentimes this aggregation of things becomes a family nightmare. "Things" do not bring true happiness. Large credit card debt in the thousands of dollars can bring financial ruin and leads to much unhappiness. We are focused on a certain "busyness" that drives all thought of God totally away. Our minds are closed to everything that is of beauty. Endless clutter!

Our country overspends into the Trillions all because we've "got to have it NOW!" - Never mind when we can afford it, but right now! There are numerous benefits to moving toward a simpler lifestyle. A simpler lifestyle brings us away from the desire of the flesh (excessive shopping and having what we want right now, among other questionable practices) and much closer to humility and leading a prayerful life.

There are thousands of people living on Social Security in a poverty living-standard. People who retired years and years ago and now cannot seem to make ends meet. You won't find them in the high-rent district. More likely, you will find them in the older mobile-home parks. And, we're not talking about fancy mobile homes but single-wide, short units that have a tiny bedroom, a tiny kitchenette and a small living room. A friend of mine who recently passed away, from cancer, lived in such a small unit. But he was happy and even in his most difficult months and weeks before he went home to Jesus, whom he deeply loved, he was happy and that, to me, was a great example of inner simplicity. My friend found joy in living a simple life. People such as he are around but you most likely won't find them in middle-class neighborhoods. People who live simply possess that inner beauty of humility and simplicity that brings them to Heaven very quickly.

Saint Francis of Assisi lived a very simple life. Imagine, Francis was ashamed to meet someone poorer than himself. He met this poor fellow who really had nothing except the clothes he wore. Now Francis had professed a Vow of Poverty, and in meeting this poor man, he felt he should practice a deeper poverty. If simplicity in one's daily life is desired, then one should apply it to all facets of life. It's a philosophy for those who desire to share their life with things of God rather than with material things. You don't need that fancy car made overseas that costs $35,000 when a more ordinary quality car at $20,000 suffices. You don't need a home costing $500,000 when a very nice home at half that price will do. But you also do not need that $100 item, when one at $50 will do. And personally, I think nothing of it to go to a used-clothing store, and purchase a clean, good-looking shirt for $3.75 when it would cost $30.00 new in a department store. In fact, I purchased a used (but in very good condition) suit jacket for $5.00 which sometime later was found at a department store for $78. When you finally have your living situation simplified, then begin on yourself. Your desires, your wishes, your views about God and Church, and realize that the eye of the needle is coming into your reach.

All that simplicity makes us humble. Humility and meekness are virtues of God. "Jesus make my heart like onto Thine because you are Meek and Humble of Heart." It's an old prayer but it's true. Some people in this century think that meekness is being without guts. I didn't say that you should be everyone's "doormat." It's not necessary to let people walk all over you. That's not what humility and meekness is all about. But treat those who try to manipulate others with courtesy, and with a firm hand whereby you are not manipulated. Help them see, in a quiet manner, that you are your own person.

In the end, Catholics are Christians because they follow and love Jesus Christ. I exhort all Christians to conduct their lives by the example of Jesus. If you truly want to be Christian to your friends and neighbors, Christian virtues will become a part of you, too. Take your wish for simplicity to Jesus in prayer. He will set your free from "those things" and lead you closer to Himself. Amen.

Peace & Good.

Fred Schaeffer, OFS
2004, revised 3/16/2024
Based on Fwriting5

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