Parable and Conscience Meditation December 22

Poverty  December 22

In other words, we exercise our vow of poverty by our commitment to work together in a spirit of collaboration (Congolese Regional Statutes, 1.16).

It takes more than good intentions to live evangelical poverty.  It takes hard work that begins with self-forgetfulness and the letting go of a selfish hold on possessions.  But evangelical poverty is more than personal spirituality to be practiced in the solitude of a monastic cell.  Evangelical poverty is part of Church activity oriented toward the establishment of the Reign of God in this world.  It expresses itself concretely in the daily life of society through a disciplined and judicious use of material goods in the service of others.  In pursuing this objective, religious poverty puts the consecrated person in relationship with other believers and people of good will who seek a better world.  With absolute confidence in God, the consecrated person is free for unselfish work, for collaboration toward the common good.

The ripe fruit of the baobab tree offers itself to be sucked.  (Mali)

O King of all nations, the only joy of every human heart;  O Keystone of the mighty arch of humanity, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.