Chaplain’s Word
Live simply
The expression “live simply that others may simply live” was very popular in the late 1960’s and 1970’s.
At the time, there was a very strong awareness among Christian communities of the need to be our “brother’s keeper.” People felt the conviction to simplify their lifestyle and respond generously to the needs of other people without the basic essentials of life. Many organizations such as Oxfam, Catholic Relief Services, and Food for the Poor were raising millions of dollars to feed, clothe, shelter, educate, and provide health care to the most needy populations across the globe. Many were going to these nations to directly assist the relief organizations on the ground to provide these basic needs. The body of Christ was very much alive and responding to Jesus’ admonition, “whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do to me,” according to the gospel of St. Matthew 25:40.
As we approach the mid-point of this Holy Season of Lent, it is a good time for us to reflect on these words of Jesus Christ which are directed to you and me – here and now --- at NASCC. How are we living out these words of Jesus in our daily rounds? Are we aware of the needs of those living in our own homes as well as in our neighborhoods, local communities and beyond? And, if we are aware of their needs, are we responding generously to meet them? It does not have to be anything heroic or spectacular, just simply smiling at and or greeting the person we pass by on a sidewalk or in a grocery aisle can be a huge lift for someone carrying a heavy burden such as the loss of a job, recent divorce, news of a serious illness, or the death of a loved one; allowing a young mother with a number of toddlers at her side to go ahead in the checkout line or yielding to the person trying to enter the highway, are also works of mercy that please Jesus very much. It is really very simple and basic. As Saint Mother Teresa often said, “God does not ask us to do great things, but rather to do little things with great love.”
So as we prepare to enter the second half of the Lenten season, let us examine our conscience thoroughly to see if we can simplify our daily lives even more and generously share the time, energy and resources we save with people in need, near and far. We may need to shut off our cell phones, computers, televisions, and headphones so that we can be more alert and aware of the needs of others listening attentively to the voice of God for his direction as to how he wants us to respond to these needs. If we follow his direction and share the great blessings and gifts he has so lavishly granted each one of us, we will have good reason to really celebrate Jesus’ resurrection when we arrive at this year’s Easter season. It is really very simple.