Loretto Members Share Ways to Live Simply So Others May Simply Live

The poet David Whyte says, “The doorway to a radical, numinous simplicity, seems to be reached by the long and difficult path of generosity.”

Loretto Constitutions say, “By our vow of poverty, inspired by Christ who became poor for us … we freely renounce the independent use and disposition of material goods, committing ourselves to live simply, and to hold these goods in common for the mission of the congregation.” (I Am the Way, # 60) 

John S. Mogabgab writes, “Simplicity locates the spiritual life where it belongs – in the ordinary events of daily life.” (Weavings, Sept./Oct. 1986)

And the letter to 1 Corinthians 4:7 posits an eyes-wide-open question, “What do you have that was not given to you?”

Keep these thoughts in mind as you follow our theme this week, “Living simply so that others may simply live.” It is amazing that the four sources named above for our reflection all tell us the same thing: Living simply is achieved by being generous. Sounds a little backwards even though we in Loretto know it works. In terms of lifestyle, living simply means deciding what one needs and what one wants. Clarifying our values, trusting in Divine Providence, being gentle to Earth, relying with hope on the Spirit of Life whose power at work within us is able to do more than we can ask or imagine — all these thoughts determine the choices we make to turn the world upside down.

We invite you to our Loretto Facebook page this week. You will find there insightful comments from Loretto members about their experience of living simply.

Also, in light of our theme of living simply/caring for Earth, please enjoy this short video of the recent Earth Day/Loretto Foundation Day celebration by the lower school at St. Mary’s Academy in Denver. SMA teacher Jack McHugh conducts “Joyful Noise,” a choir of second through fifth graders performing the song “Wear It Out, Fix It Up.” (Video by Regina Drey SL)