The chapter titles in this section of our book are enough to give me pause. “The Poor in Spirit,” “Beholding the Heart, “God’s Wounds,” “Holy Poverty,” each contain stories of spiritual growth. I wonder—this week will you share which story spoke the strongest to you? I found the discussion of ordinary poverty and holy poverty to be very challenging and thought provoking (p. 307). “With the ordinary sort, the worst thing is having no choice, being trapped in it. With holy poverty, the hard thing is being faithful to it, having chosen it.” How often do I struggle against the consequences of my own choice, my own decision? I may believe my decision is right, the path that God has laid out for me. But, that doesn’t mean I always accept that decision’s results.
Another passage that caused me to wrestle is found in Guillaume and Peregrine’s conversation later in that same chapter. On page 349, Peregrine says, “Why do you mock our simplicity? Am I pretentious to insist on it? No, no it cannot be right to live like kings when we are supposed to be like Jesus. Can it?” After a very lame response by Guillaume, Peregrine responds with a passionate call for the monks to be the presence of Jesus in a world that needs Him. I wonder, from your perspective of living with poor people all around you, do you agree with Peregrine? I look forward to reading your comments!
2 comments:
better late than never...
I do believe Father P is right in to be present in a world that needs Jesus. How else can non believers see what they r missing? We also could be the only Jesus they will see. I have heard another way we are Jesus with skin on. A quote by St Francis of Assisi " Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary use words"
We do need to be cautious of this as people are watching our actions. The world will not want to follow Jesus if they see hypocrites. Charles Spurgeon says" Its no use for any of us to be soul winners if u arwe not bearing fruit in our own lives. How can you serve the Lord with your lips if you don't serve them with your lives. How can you preach the gospel with your tongues when with your hands, feet and hearts are preaching the devils gospel and setting up an antichrist by practicing unholiness."
As Father P and Gulliame have there convesation of poverty. Gulliame says To follow Jesus must a man live stripped of everything as ur abbot would have me believe or can he withoutsin enjoy the good things of life if his heart is thankful. Asks for Brother Toms opinion. Brother Tom responds with
"Who is your Jesus I can see Father P's Jesus in the gospel but who or where is yours?" I do feel that Gulliame became convicted as he sold his possessions and served(I can't remember where). I do believe you can be rich and have things and still serve God. As long as you are giving back to God's kingdom.
How about the verse that starts with Go into all nations and preach good news....(Matthew). This is a command from God, if we have faith in God shouldn't we carry out His commands. For me it can be in my own backyard. I have done a few overseas mission trips and I can tell you God doesn't just work with those you are serving but those who serve as well.
Good to read your better late than never comments, Donna! :) I enjoy reading your insights. It is a challenge to us to follow Jesus in all our choices. What a model He is for us!
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