The Vow of Poverty a
Blessing
- Fr. John Edmunds, S.T., Pastor
Christ the King Catholic Church
Jersey City, New Jersey
I was cooking some rice and beans when Beettle came to the door. He’s a "regular," a street person. I gave him some of my supper and explained that I wasn’t giving him any money. He smiled. "Can’t blame a guy for trying." At least he has some food in his belly, I thought.
 "Fr. John Edmunds with a couple young parishioners." |
People like Beetle confront the reality behind my vow of poverty. Certainly I have some things that Beetle, and many others, don’t have. The vow must mean more than having or having not. Poverty as I experience it is an atmosphere, an attitude which provides the significance to what I do. The attitude promoted by the vow of poverty manifests itself in three ways:
First, reliance on God.
When the people on the mission get together to plan activities and programs, my first question is not, "Can we afford it?" But, "What does God want us to do?" If God wants us to do something we can be sure that God will provide the means necessary to accomplish it. Being a poor man requires that I believe in the loving providence of God.Second, simplicity of lifestyle.
This is not adopting an economic theory that "small is beautiful" but a spirituality, a way of prayer. the life of sensation requires more and more - more enjoyment, more ease, more comfort. "Party hearty." The life of the spirit requires less and less. When you walk with God you discover that all those things you thought you needed, you really don’t need. Prayer teaches that God fills me with life and happiness in ways which surpass what I had imagined.Finally, solidarity with the poor.
Why am I eating beans and rice? I can afford better. Why am I sitting here sweating? I have enough money to buy an air conditioner. It has to do with being "one" with my parishioners. It has to do with sharing in the work of Trinity Missionaries in Alabama, in Louisiana, in California. It has to do with the people of Mexico and throughout the third world. How can I claim to be faithful to the vow of poverty if I never experience the suffering, the ache, the inconvenience that is the lot of those economically poor? By the sharing in some way the life of the poor, I can more authentically bring the word of God to the sometimes desperate situations which characterize too many of God’s people.Writing this reflection on the vow of poverty reminds
me of how easy it is to rationalize, to compromise. My religious family
helps me live the vows. When I see how they embody Jesus, who lived and
died a poor man, I am inspired and challenged to imitate their dedication
and zeal. The vow of poverty is constantly calling me to deeper sharing
with the poor Jesus. What a blessing to have people who join with me on
that journey!