CHAPTER 19 – EMBRACING SIMPLICITY FOR A MORE ABUNDANT LIFE
“Our Lord needs from us neither great deeds nor profound thoughts. Neither intelligence nor talents. He cherishes simplicity.” -St. Therese of Lisieux
“Live simply and justly in solidarity with the poor and marginalized and be a good
neighbor. Make no war on them, rather, be one with them in spirit, truth, and love.” -St. Óscar Romero
“Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society.” -St. Francis of Assisi
Everything within the Community should align with our Common Rule. Unused items are repurposed, donated, or recycled to minimize waste. We strive for self-sufficiency, encouraging members to develop their talents and skills to contribute to the needs of the Community. This ensures God receives the best of our abilities and resources. Simple meals become celebrations, and even modest homes reflect the beauty of God’s work. Through humility and simplicity, we contribute to building God’s Kingdom. Can we offer anything less?
We treat God’s world with respect and care, reflected in our construction practices and resource consumption. Neatness and orderliness create an atmosphere of peace within each cell, symbolizing a place where heaven and earth connect. These cells, along with spaces where we meet with others, become sacred spaces. While we value careful stewardship, we avoid excessive worry that could hinder our purpose, which is to cultivate freedom of the heart.
The Coworkers of Christ find deep resonance with the Christian call to simplicity and minimalism. This spiritual practice goes beyond mere aesthetics; it’s a way of life rooted in the Gospel message. By choosing to live simply and avoid excess, the Coworkers of Christ embody the principle of “living simply so that others may simply live.”
This concept is central to Jesus’ teachings. He encourages his followers to focus on the treasures of heaven, not on earthly possessions (Matthew 6:19-21). The Coworkers of Christ translate this into a commitment to self-sufficiency, using our talents and resources wisely to meet the needs of our own community and the wider world.
Living simply frees the Coworkers of Christ from the burdens of materialism. It allows us to focus our energy on serving others. Our emphasis on self-sufficiency through developing skills and crafts ensures we can contribute to the common good, reducing reliance on excessive external resources. This focus on service extends beyond the Community. By minimizing our own needs, the Coworkers of Christ create space to support those who have less.
- Scriptural Support
…make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands… 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (NIV)
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)