Living Simply for the sake of God's Reign

"Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give." Mt 10:8

There are many people in the world who choose or are forced by circumstance to live simply, and their fundamental option forces other choices upon them. Like St Peter confronting a beggar, they can only say: “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you," (Acts 3:6) and what they have is wonderful and valuable in more ways than we can count. When others are totally available to us and unconcerned about what they might gain, our hearts naturally open to hear and learn what it is that motivates them.

Living simply often helps us appreciate each day as it unfolds more naturally and fully. Walking in the early morning before the heat of the day invites us to celebrate cool breezes and and gift of walking itself, and eating simply challenges us to delight in the food we have, not the food we yearn for. More important, letting go of the signs of wealth and power free us to be like Peter, and proclaim the Good News, not with what we can give to others, but how we can be present to them.

Today, give of yourself without counting the cost.

Whose simple life challenges you to change?