Simplicity in daily tasks
Simplicity was always a favorite virtue of Francis and Jane. In living a simple life with thoughts of God, we will express loyalty, embody charity and generosity, find ordinariness and humility, connect with others and never lose hope, which keeps us all going! As the founders were planning the beginning of this new religious institute, Francis encouraged Jane to approach life with greater simplicity.
Wield your distaff, not with loaded spindles which your fingers cannot handle, but with smaller ones that you can manage: humility, patience, gentleness, resignation, simplicity, charity to the sick, forbearance with difficult persons and similar imitations of the Lord which can be easily wound on your little spindle.
The way of simplicity was the attitude that Jane found, after faith and love, the best foundation for prayer. She told the sisters that God willed them to remain in a passive state at prayer, giving no thought to future difficulties or present circumstances. She suggested that they empty themselves of self and of all solicitude, all apprehension, and have only a simple regard, looking to God with unquestioning obedience and love.
Reflection questions
- Many popular books have been written about simplifying our lives. How can we use this Salesian idea of simplicity to inform our lives?
- What are the challenges to simplicity in your life?
- How can simplicity help us develop the virtue of hope?
- How is the idea of serving and pleasing God a freeing idea?
APPLICATION
Scripture
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7)
Through your precepts I acquire understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:104, 105)
See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and simple as doves. (Matthew 10:16)
Indeed this is our boast, the testimony of our conscience: we have behaved in the world with frankness and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God. (2 Corinthians 1:12)
JANE’S WORDS:
It is requisite to be very simple in all things, and to walk in good faith, without ever reflecting on what we are employed in, nor in what will be said or thought if we did so and so, or said so and so; but go on simply, and look only at God’s good pleasure in everything and without ceasing. I make bold to promise you that, if you are very faithful to this simplicity, and ever seek God alone in whatever you do or suffer, in six months you will acquire peace of heart.
I find the almost universal attraction of the daughters of the Visitation is to a very simple presence of God by a complete surrendering of themselves to holy Providence. I need not have said “almost”, for truly I see that all those who apply themselves from the beginning to prayer as they ought and who practice our little virtues end there.