Most of us would not describe poverty as a privilege. Yet that is the phrase used by St. Clare and St. Francis. Why would they consider poverty a privilege? Is there a message in this phrase that we can apply in our lives?
Certainly one perspective that allows us to see poverty as a privilege is the potential for closeness to Jesus. St. Francis modeled his approach after the poverty that Jesus and his disciples chose to live. In this way, he seeks a closer communion with Christ by sharing a similar life experience.
After all, Jesus specifically called at least one young man to live that privilege of poverty. When the young man asked Jesus what he would have to do to inherit eternal life, Jesus first summarized the ten commandments. The man said that he was already doing all of that but felt that something was missing. Jesus responded, ” You are lacking in one thing. Go sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21) This young man walked away feeling sad “for he had many possessions.” (Mark 10:22)
Honestly, I can’t be too critical of the rich young man. I don’t think I would have the courage to live the privilege of poverty, but Francis and Clare and the women and men of the Franciscan order did have such courage. They gave up all worldly possessions so they could experience complete reliance on God. It seems reasonable to conclude that such a life would be in special communion with Jesus.
Now let’s be practical. I don’t believe God is calling for all of us to give away all our possessions like the Franciscans did. So what can we take away from their lifestyle? What lessons are there for us in our everyday lives? I would suggest that the real lesson is in their faith and joy.
It always frustrates me when someone tells me not to worry about things. Really, do you think my worries will suddenly melt away just because you tell me not to worry? Of course not. But Clare had the answer. It is faith.
The Franciscans lived their lives in complete poverty, even needing to beg for food at times, but they were known to be some of the most joyous people on earth. That is the kind of joy that God wants for us. Can we learn to surrender total faith in God to gain such beautiful happiness?
That is the challenge I want to take. Honestly, I have spent most of my adult life worrying about money. In that context, how many moments did I miss or how many times did I fail to appreciate my many blessings? It is certainly a work in progress, and I still have moments of brief panic, but I have found that I deal with such concerns in a much more rational manner lately. Since I established a regular prayer life, I feel a deeper connection to God, and I have been able to manage stressful situations more calmly. I have even managed to deal with such problems without letting it dampen the joy in my heart and soul.
That is what I want to nurture and develop even more. I have a glimpse of the lesson St. Clare laid out for us in the more positive attitude that I enjoy, but I hope to keep improving on that progress. Won’t you join me?
Dear Lord, we come to You with hope in our hearts, real hope that we, too, might find the joy You want for us. Help us to learn the lessons of St. Clare and the Franciscans so we can surrender all faith in You. Then let us take that great joy and share it in the world in Your name.