First Steps – June 7, 2021

“Not everyone who leaves the things of this world behind comes to Christ. Some become actually worse after they abandon their possessions! They are plagued with jealousy and bitterness. They think they are better than others. They praise themselves and look down on everyone else. They do not hesitate to destroy a neighbor’s reputation. What is worse than a proud pauper or a covetous panhandler? They have neither the world nor Christ.

There is a better approach to poverty. When Christ says, ‘sell everything,’ he means to change your point of view. If you are proud, now you must become humble. If you are angry, learn how to forgive. If you are greedy, be transformed into a generous person. If you are a glutton or a drunkard, then reverse that with fasting. If you are in love with this world, give yourself entirely to loving Christ.

This kind of poverty, chosen freely, will accomplish much. ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’ (Matthew 5:3). Being poor in spirit is having a humble attitude that allows you to see your own folly. In the same way that many branches spring from one root, poverty of spirit will produce many good habits and virtues. Poverty is not a virtue in itself. It can be a misery. Poverty becomes worthy of praise only when it becomes a way to gain a virtue” (Richard Rolle).

Though this was written 700 years ago, it is still true today. In our society, where people struggle with authenticity and are often prone to seize the moral high ground, we fail to own personal shortcomings and faults. Instead of seeking virtue, which is difficult because it requires discipline and time, we would rather cancel another for their faults instead of owning our inward frailties. I think the English mystic is on point. Rolle’s words are to be embraced and practiced.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6