36         THE EUCHARISTIC LETTER

  

In our little Institute, with the help of God, the food and clothing will be extremely frugal and simple. There will be this distinction, however, that the use of food and clothing will be determined by each group according to the different circumstances of each. 

 

Only now, in paragraphs 36 -38 does Father Médaille come to the practical points that will distinguish these Little Design communities. This is because they - the externals - are less important and will now be more easily embraced because of the whole new VISION Father Médaille has been outlining.

 

Once again, we see how the ‘exterior’ manifestations are nothing more than an indication of the interiority of the person living and embracing this way of life.

 

So our food, “frugal” and our clothing, “simple” suggests that we purchase just enough groceries weekly for our personal or family consumption. We must strive to be always about living on ‘just enough’ food and clothes. It means living a lifestyle that resists hoarding and stockpiling, rejects any feeding off consumerism and its subtle push, drive, to have more, buy in bulk and save etc.

 

Doesn’t this ‘frugal’ fit our era of ecological responsibility and sustainability? Most mature adults today are appreciating the delicate and fragile structure of the food chain. Everything about our choices matters to the whole planet. Our outer actions reflect our interiority and intentionality. Spirituality drives the new consciousness! 

 

And let us always be mindful of the ‘distinction’ that each small Little Design community will determine its own expression of this simple food and clothing style. There is a unity within this kind of diversity that allows for maximum freedom of Spirit. This announces quite a radically new understanding of ‘community’ without using a ‘common dress’ or sharing a ‘common life’ as the distinguishing characteristic of its purpose and mission. 

What speaks to you? 
Have you thought about your food and clothing choices lately? 

 

Comments  

#4 arletteh 2013-05-05 19:13
I, too, Virginia, need to simplify my clothes closet. I am conscious of trying to dress in a way that reflects the interior life of our spirituality:si mple and beautiful.And when I put something in the garbage, I strive to have it well-used. As for food: I am more and more substituting for things I don't have on hand. It can be quite creative. But, on the whole, I need to say:"Mea culpa"for my at timers, extravagances.
#3 daviddhunoo 2013-05-05 17:12
In My Imitation of Christ Chapter 42 "A man draws nearer to God the farther he withdraws himself from all earthly Comfort ".Even the new Pope ,he wants to live a simple life ,just as Christ Jesus when He was on earth ,Emmanuel God with us .Matthew 6:26-34 ,amazing teaching of The Lord to all who can read this .Look at birds of the air .........Solomo n .....but seek first His kingdom and his righteousness and all these things shall be added to you............ ..Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow ;for tomorrow will care for itself.Each day has enough trouble of its own.The Great Provider our Lord God will Himself provide all our daily Needs and Wants .Amen.
#2 virginia 2013-05-05 15:16
I am coming to grips with these practical issues more than ever. I have a long way to go because of past behavior ( buying more than I need, what I don't need!!) and bad habits (stocking up, etc.) It certainly is not a good witness! I am becoming more conscious of my life-style and how it behooves me to follow in the path our Lord trod. It is the way of life that many live today because of their dire circumstances but I have made profession of this life-style freely. Faced with these realities, I plead God's mercy and will by God's grace be more frugal, more trusting and more aware of the poor and "dear neighbor."
#1 rosemaryo 2013-05-05 02:16
Well, this week, spring-summer temperatures arrived in Ottawa! Alleluia! Hence, this weekend, I did the wardrobe 'change over' and considerably thinned out the closets mindful of this week's 'just enough' clothing etc.

Doesn’t this ‘frugal’ fit our era of ecological responsibility and sustainability? Most mature adults today are appreciating the delicate and fragile structure of the food chain. Everything about our choices matters to the whole planet. Our outer actions reflect our interiority and intentionality. Spirituality drives the new consciousness!

I was mindful also of the fire tragedy and loss of many women's lives in the clothing factory in Bangladesh - over 547 the reports say now. What a horrific 'cost' directly connected with our desire in the West for CHEAPER clothing. Hopefully, personal, political and economical choices will be affected in the future! As Gandhi said, 'You become the change you want to see!"

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