Benedictine Spirituality from a Lay Person: Poverty (part 4 of 7)

Benedictine Spirituality from a Lay Person: Poverty (part 4 of 7)

Posted by on Sep 15, 2011 in Church, Featured, Spirituality | 0 comments

Yes, I probably have gone a little long on my last posts concerning Benedictine spirituality, but this one will be short and sweet.

Society tends to view a vow of poverty as living or doing without. My understanding of poverty—that I gained in that morning meeting on Benedictine spirituality—goes beyond having or not having. As mentioned previously in regards to chastity, poverty is also about having that “right relationship.”

God has given each of us unique abilities and talents, yet we are all made in His likeness. Whether we listen to Him or not, God has a plan for each of us: Some become rich, some poor, most make it through life somewhere in between. So what do we do with what we have (or don’t have)? In other words: What is our relationship with our “stuff,” especially when it comes to God, others and ourselves?

“No one can serve two masters.  He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). 

Do you allow your possessions to dictate your life or do you open your heart to invite the will of God into your life to help guide you to His Kingdom? 

It is O.K. to enjoy the material gifts that you have received, but not to forget that they are ultimately gifts from God. We need to ask ourselves: How do we serve others with our gifts? How do we show our thanks to God for all that He has offered us?

God bless!

[my next blog: Benedictine Spirituality from a lay person: Stability (part 5 of 7)] 

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Featured image: dan /freedigitalphotos.net

 
 

About the Author

Michael Glassmeyer is a lifelong Catholic who has spent the past several years examining his own faith and beliefs in an attempt to understand the beliefs and actions of others involving local, state, national, and world events. He looks to pursue a master’s degree to help deepen and gain a greater understanding of his faith. Michael lives in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, and is married with three children.