Letting the Truth of Simplicity Set Our Families Free

Experiencing motherhood in the context of mission life affords me an opportunity to reflect on aspects of my children's holiness and formation that might otherwise have been overlooked; virtues that don't seem pertinent in typical suburban American life.  Now that we are spending some time state-side, I recognize that I must put much more effort into reinforcing these virtues amidst so many influences to the contrary. In particular, I find it hardest to protect the beautiful missionary lifestyle of material simplicity, coupled with detachment and generosity with our worldly possessions.

Such a way of living is better known as "Gospel poverty." This phrase refers to the way of life Jesus exhorted all of His followers to live (not just missionaries, priests, and nuns who take “vows of poverty”). However, although this directive, this necessary ingredient of holiness, was emphasized repeatedly by our Lord throughout the Gospels, I find that it is a virtue most often ignored or watered down by even the most devout American Catholic families. I am ashamed to admit that it is a call that is easy for me to dismiss once I find myself surrounded by the affluence of our culture - even though God has let me live among his beloved poor. Yet, I know that "Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required" (Luke 12:48) I will be held very accountable because I have seen and lived these things... but so will all of us Christians who exclude these urgent words of Christ from our Christian discipline.

So, I feel called to share these thoughts with all of you, especially mothers trying to raise up souls for the Kingdom. Why? Well, because, I see mothers doing so much good in their children's lives: teaching them to live a life of prayer to keep them close by the Lord's side, instilling values and virtues to help their children to be saints, bending over backwards to protect them from anything that would threaten their purity and sanctity.  But Satan is so subtle. We protect them from the obvious threats, such as impurity and foul language, violence, drugs and alcohol, etc., yet, while we struggle so diligently against these ugly and fiery enemies, we tend to let a giant, quiet, very convincing enemy seep into our lives - to the point that it even seems like it was our own idea. This enemy is MATERIALISM. It is an enemy we very rarely fight (at least valiantly). In fact it is an enemy that we often welcome under the guise of providing “security” for our children. And yet, materialism can be a sin that is just as potent a poison to the spiritual life as all the aforementioned threats we so rightly dread.

So, dear friends, I exhort you (and myself) to be very counter-culture, and instead to live in the life-giving culture of the Gospel! Let your children see that your happiness is in the Lord, not in possessions; that your security is in His providence, and not in money or prestige!  Go without, and give up some comforts, conveniences, and luxuries as you give our impoverished brothers and sisters what is their just share of the goods our Lord has given to humanity! Do not leave your children out of this necessary part of a life in Christ - let them also sacrifice, and in turn be richly BLESSED! Teach them not to fear Gospel poverty, but instead lead them in taking full advantage of Christ's unsurpassable invitation to the TRUE riches, grace and freedom:“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms; provide yourselves with purses that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:32-34)

Let us pray for each other as we all try to live lives worthy of the call we have received (Eph. 4:1), and also to enjoin these vital teachings upon our children (Deut 6:7)!  

We continue to rely on your

prayers.  

May God bless you all!

* If you are interested in seeking wisdom and guidance in the area of Gospel poverty, I recommend an excellent book entitled, Happy Are You Poor, by Thomas Dubay.

** I originally wrote this article for Family Missions Company's SUMMER 2010 edition of SERVE, which can be found at the following link: http://www.fmcmissions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/SERVE-SUMMER-2010-web-version.pdf.