Prayer for June

SIMPLICITY

This month we will look at the value of simplicity in our Christian life. Another word for simplicity could be "uncluttered." Today we seem to be constantly surrounded with 'clutter', with more than we need. What do we need? What is really important in our life? Is it possessions? Is it wealth?

"A person finds a treasure hidden in a field ... goes and sells everything (s)he has and then goes back and buys that field."
Matthew 13:44

What is this treasure of which the Gospel speaks and is worth sacrificing for?

MY TREASURE

When I began to discover how much God loved me and was calling me to belong, my response gradually became a profound 'yes'. I had 'found a treasure' and so other things became less important. This became a 'goal', a 'purpose' in my life - to respond to this love in a growing relationship and in service to others.

LIVING SIMPLY

Over time I realized that this relationship can grow more deeply when I depend more on God - when I become less 'cluttered'. And for that I learned to let go of more material things and realized how much advertising affected me - creating desires to have more. So my decision to live with less, to live simply, means that I try not to expose myself to so much advertising, luxury and comfort. It is a constant struggle but I know it pays off.

REFLECTION

Who/what is most important in my life?
Of what do I need to let go in order to make my purpose in life a clear priority?
Do I live in the present moment or do I live in the future? The past?
Do I believe how much God loves me? Do I get my identity from being God's beloved daughter or son? Or do I listen to everyone else in order to know who I am?
Am I satisfied with enough? Or do I need many extra things to prove my worth?

SUGGESTIONS TO DEVELOP AN ATTITUDE OF SIMPLICITY

Be close to and respect all of God's creation.
Learn and live the 5 R's:
Reverence
Recycle
Reduce
Repair
Reuse

PRAYER

Lord open my eyes and heart to know your love for me
and give me the grace to respond.

We invite you to share your comments
How do you practice the value of simplicity in your life?
What challenges do you face in trying to discover what is really important in your life?
Send comments to: Sr. Thérèse Meunier
tmeunier@csj-to.ca

For other prayers, see this page