The Gift of Simplicity

Inspired by the example and words from the Master, Br. Victor-Antoine encourages readers to strive for the attitude of simplistic living expressed in the Gospels. Using lessons from Scripture, he reminds us of what can be gained by living a life less cluttered by modern distractions and petty grievances to find freedom in Christian simplicity--a simplicity that is deeply rooted in Christ. It is not often these days that we hear anyone speak about simplicity. In today's fast-paced world, this seems an almost far-fetched notion. Yet we find the concept very alive in the Scriptures, particularly in the Gospels, where it is often connected with other virtues strongly taught and recommended by Jesus, such as humility, poverty of spirit, single-mindedness, meekness, and even the gift of wisdom. The Gift of Simplicity helps move our minds beyond the realm of human thought and human reasoning; it is then when wisdom instigates in us a new way of thinking. The more seriously we approach the theme of Gospel simplicity, the more convinced we become of its intrinsic value as a vital antidote to some of our contemporary ills.