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Prayers and ReflectionsSIMPLICITY … “The Kernel, Not The Shell”Under Simple Samples there is already a reflection on Simplicity which is such a key value in the Franciscan way of life. Below is another reading on Simplicity with a format that could be useful for a time of Prayerful Reflection. After the Christmas holiday, with its focus on material gifts followed by the sales pitches that call us to feel we need so much more than we really do, such a reflection seems timely. ‘He
attended always to holy simplicity …’ Opening Prayer: Most High Reading: Francis was well known for his simple lifestyle. He refused ownership of property and begged for food. He preferred to dwell in huts and caves and was happiest out under the open sky and lived as a pilgrim in answer to the gospel command, “Do not be anxious about what you will eat or what you will wear. … Does not your your heavenly Father know you have need of these things?” (Matt 6:25-33) As a mendicant Francis had a deep appreciation for the changes in nature occurring with the seasons: his writing and his behaviour expressed a deep intimacy with nature – the sun, air and sky, birds of the air and animals. Books published on the simple lifestyle in recent times speak to a growing hunger for the spiritual in our time. So many people have lost the awareness of what is essential. We are constantly confronted by a consumerist culture which pulls us in every direction with offers of a better lifestyle, the importance of having more, and the promise that happiness is to be found through material possessions. The values of competitiveness and acquisitiveness in this secular culture take precedence over such values as respect, tenderness, compassion and communal concerns that build up relationships and foster a rich community life. A materialistic lifestyle can focus on “having” to the detriment of “being”. Francis recognised that it was easy to confuse the necessities of life with luxuries. He immediately confronted his brothers whenever they lost their focus on simplicity. We can identify with Francis’ sensitivity when we realise how quickly we identify a product as a need simply because it offers speed and convenience. It is not easy to remain apart from the constant stream of new inventions and gadgets and we tend to justify our acquisitions as freeing us for better use of our time. But so often the consumerist ethic relates to emptiness within, an emptiness that can be filled only by relationship with something higher … with Divine Mystery. Following Francis, we choose a simple lifestyle, not because we want to free up some time or find peace and quiet, but because we desire to put higher, non-material values first and to make space for spirituality which is essentially a relationship with the divine. Francis followed the simple and poor life of Jesus on earth. To this end he took the good news literally and integrated it into his life. From the time of his conversion, he concentrated on living the Gospel life with Jesus as his model. Following this path, he became more pure of heart, receptive, sincere and open in his relationship with Jesus. This way of life is difficult for many to imagine taking on … perhaps even understanding. Time management and busy schedules focussed on goal achievement take precedence over maintaining as our priority what we profess to be our ultimate concern. When we take time out for serious examination of our lifestyle can we honestly say that we are living out our professed belief in a simple lifestyle? The life of Francis continues to influence people after more than eight hundred years! Do we believe that simplifying our own lives can affect others – even the rest of the world? The power of one ... think about that! The call to simplicity is a challenge but through embracing this Franciscan way we gain freedom to focus on what is most important for our spiritual life - the space to develop meaningful relationships with other people and with the world of nature. Simplifying our lives makes room in our hearts to embrace deep peace and harmony in ourselves, frees us to look upon others with compassion and loving kindness, and opens our eyes to actually see the marvels and beauty of the natural world which can raise our minds and hearts to the Creator. Simplicity is not poverty. Jesus appreciated
wine, food, health, caring and healing touch, children, women, men,
storytelling and parties! The Gospels carry stories about all this.
Jesus was generous and warm-hearted, he loved people and cared about
individuals, had special friends and reached out to those in need.
Francis imitated him and calls us to follow. Personal Reflection Question: What things or concerns in your life Prayer: Gracious God,
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