14 THE EUCHARISTIC LETTER
In the same way, my dear daughter, in our poverty we will be so perfectly stripped of everything, that with the use of nothing more than what will belong to us – which will no longer be ours since we will have consecrated it to God and to the little Association of the Little Design – we shall always be perfectly content, whether we have much, or have little, or have nothing at all. Thus, in reality, our little new design requires a complete detachment/stripping from all things.
Little Designers will live from the contemplative consciousness that we are radically dependent upon God, the Source of life, for our whole being-ness. This interiority and consciousness shape our attitudes and choices in daily life. Contentment “with much, with little, with nothing at all” and gratitude for everything is the stance we attempt to maintain in living every moment. This is the pure freedom of the poverty of the little design.
‘We own nothing, not even our own lives, which always, at every moment come to us as Gift.’ (Elaine Prevallet, SL, A Wisdom for Life) For sure, this is radical dependence upon God and radical freedom for the soul. This poverty opens our hands and hearts to live in an attitude of gratitude and generosity. Over time, our consciousness will introduce us to the ‘law of reciprocity’ that is at the core of the whole mystery of the universe charged with God’s lavish grace of self-communicating LOVE. We have only to receive it as Gift. Let this Great Love be done within us.
Yes, this living flame of Pure Love will purge us of our selfishness and egocentricity, but at the same time, we will come to know a wonderful release into a deeper joy and freedom and contentment.
‘Love is the law of God’s life in Trinity. That law expresses itself in nature in the fact that everything that is, is in continual exchange.’ It is like a great round dance. Will you join us in the circle of Great Love!
Can you say that you are ‘equally content’ with much or with little?
The Banquet, Ansgar Holmberg,csj
Comments
When I look back on the hours and days of my life, I am always struck with awe at how God has gifted me; with such sensitivity and care for the person that is, at times, hidden deep inside. This is such an example of how we are called to gift and be gifts for others, and our world.
I intend to carry that question closely this week and attempt to be aware of my thoughts in this regard.
It may be a long week!
Happy Advent days ... "Rejoice, you are loved by God.The Lord is with you."
Thank you - fellow online companions. Your sharings and your stories are celebrated as 'gifts' in our mutual exchange... and we are enjoying a taste of 'the more!"