Amos 7:12-15
Ephesians 1:3-14 or Ephesians 1:3-10
Mark 6:7-13

Simplicity

“[God] chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him.” What a statement that is! It is found in the second reading from Ephesians. Notice the purpose for our creation – to be holy and without blemish. We were not created to be rich, beautiful, successful, well educated, popular, etc. We were created to be holy, to become the best women and men we can be. We are to live our lives in such a way that we try to be good people, people who love God, ourselves and others.

In today’s gospel, Jesus sends the disciples out two by two, gave them authority over unclean spirits and had them share what they learned from him. They were to make Jesus known to others. They were ordinary people who were not famous or well educated. They were not rich or successful in business. They were simple people given an important task.

Because of our baptism we are given the same task – to make the risen Christ known to others in word and deed. We don’t have to have a master’s degree in theology to do this. We don’t have to be famous or successful in life to do this. We are to be ordinary people who seek a simple way of living rather than imitating the rich and famous. If you are blessed with a good education, are financially secure, respected for your successes, you are still God’s creation. You are to live your life in such a way as to be holy and without blemish to the best of your ability. Having much, one can still live simply!

Jesus told the disciples to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick, no food, no sack, no money in their belts. This is truly living simply. Today we live in a different kind of society but there are ways to live simply. What is your attitude toward simple living? How do you view others who live simply? Think about how you can simplify your life.

The response to the responsorial psalm is, “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.” This is our goal in life, to know God’s kindness, God’s loving compassionate presence and to share eternity in that presence. Living as a holy person, a person who lives simply is a way to achieve this.

What prevents you from living a more simple life style?

How can you continue to grow in holiness?