The precept of detachment from riches…   The precept of detachment from riches is obligatory for entrance into the Kingdom of heaven.  – Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph # 2544, Article on the 10 ^th Commandment, Part III. Poverty of Heart
 
Today is the last day of Lent – it’s true, all forty days are completed!  “Spy Wednesday” is a common name for this day, because of the account from the Gospel passage assigned for Daily Mass reveals the choice of Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus in exchange for thirty pieces of silver.  Tomorrow will begin the Paschal Triduum, more on this and how to engage these most important days at home later in this post.  Although Judas exchanged a bag of silver for the Lord, it would be foolish to think that the whole betrayal was absolutely driven by greed – there were other temptations, sins, and evils at work – but we would ignore the text if we did not admit that it was money that lead to the bitter Passion of Christ.
 
Poverty is an important part of the Christian Life – the betrayal of Judas Iscariot highlights how the lure of riches can cause terrible sin. Further, Poverty, along with Chasity and Obedience, is among the Evangelical Counsels – ways of living the Gospel – accepted by Religious Men and Women.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches clearly on the goodness of this subject, it is worth reading the teaching of the Church on this subject.  Poverty then becomes a bit of wisdom (counsel) for all of us to see in their manner of life an example of the ideals of the Christian Life.
 
As we begin, I want to be clear: Poverty as a Christian virtue is not a command to live in squalor, destitution, or misery.  No, not at all.  That is not the way of the Christian virtues.  The precepts of the Fifth Commandment apply to ourselves, as they do to others.  Although, we must admit that among some Religious Communities a radical form of poverty is lived and there is room for this expression within the Church.  To deliberately make an effort to live in a state of homelessness, malnutrition, and filth is not the expression of Poverty as an Evangelical Counsel.  Yet, I am not so naïve as to think that poverty that is outside of the Counsels of the Church does not exist – many live in horrible conditions deprived of basic goods – and that this poverty is anything but a terrible suffering. 
 
Our reflection for today is to consider the Evangelical Counsel of Poverty as a guide for each of us.  To voluntarily live a life marked by modesty, simplicity, and ordinariness will allow each to excel in humility.  And, by the virtue of humility through poverty, to reject opulence, extravagance, and luxury so as to be able to resist the temptations of the flesh, the world, and the devil, especially in regard to riches and indulgence.  This is a generally uncomfortable topic, because it deals with money – and that makes it very personal.  Money, and how we spend it, is a sign of our social-economic status and an expression of our wealth, earned or inherited.  Our manner of life is defined by society according to our material possessions, property, and what can be bought – this is a great tragedy that has led many to set their life on the wrong course for decades: seeking earthly wealth and ignoring the values of the Christian Life.  And yes, even those who have little cash in their pockets can struggle to accept Poverty as a Christian Virtue – filled with greed, envy and jealousy, as they constantly seek more and more (more than they need to live a good simple life).  We must remember that money (earthly riches) is not good or evil.  Rather it is a tool, money is the instrument that allows one to provide for basic needs, perform actions, and secure goods and services… how we use it and our desire for it, this is where it becomes a subject of the Christian Life.  As it is in other aspects of our life, to love the instrument and not the virtuous end for which it is intended is sinful.  This is how we come to accept the clear exhortation of Saint Paul, “the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).
 
Now, let me pause and add a little something… I would be remiss if I failed to say that I believe Poverty is a key to the Christian Life and, personally, I believe it is a very difficult way of life.  Our culture seems to reinforce a consumer and materialistic view of our life – that all of life is measurable according to worldly wealth and earthly property.  Even as a priest, in the midst of our society, it is easy to be lured far from the Gospel values because so many comforts are extoled and available.  But, I must admit, poverty is clearly a precept of the life of Christ and thus must be taken up by each of his followers – the fact that it is challenging does not diminish the example and teachings of the Lord on the subject.  Also, I want to be clear: I have offered this reflection today because I believe each of us (including myself) need to think about the subject and can make some progress on applying the subject in our daily life.  And so… we seek to follow Christ, even when it is uncomfortable.
 
For a biblical account on the significance of this subject I would encourage you to read and pray with two figures from the Gospel who encountered Christ, who were invited to live poverty: Zacchaeus the Tax Collector (Luke 19:1-10) and The Rich Young Man (Matthew 19:16-30).
 
As a recommendation for a deeper consideration of the topic, please read: “Happy Are You Poor: The Simple Life and Spiritual Freedom” by Fr. Thomas Dubay, S.M. (ISBN:978-0898709216).  It is a very good treatment of this important subject.  Further, Thomas Dubay is a solid Catholic Author – any of his books are worth reading.  I have read his text on Poverty twice, I have found it to be both enlightening and challenging as I seek to grow in my own relationship with the Lord.
 
All of this is merely a set of nice ideas and pious talk if we do not apply it to our life, our choices.  Since poverty is related to humility it is applicable to everyone, because it is not directly connected with the quantity of your bank account – it is seeking to imitate Christ who is ‘gentle and humble of heart’ (Mt. 11:29).  Simplicity then could be a direct application of this Evangelical Counsel.  As we conclude this little consideration, a few questions will help us grow in our relationship with God.  (Due to our present circumstances we cannot apply many of the outcomes to these questions immediately, but perhaps that too is a blessing – in these days we can deeply think through the Evangelical Counsel of Poverty and how in a multitude of ways it can be a part of our life when we return to a less restricted manner of life.) 
 
For those in the ‘world’ -- the Married Life and anyone who is not in Holy Orders and/or a Religious Community -- simplicity is perhaps the best guide for living according to the Evangelical Counsel of Poverty. 
 
Thus, we take up a few questions:  Are we choosing the simple, yet reasonable, path in our daily choices?  Do we choose the simple option in food and drink – choosing a smaller portion, omitting of dessert, and/or abstaining from alcoholic drinks?  Are we simple in our attire, clothing, and possessions – both in luxury and quantity?  Is simplicity a consideration as we navigate the many choices and options that are presented to us?  Do we see that simplicity will help us to grow in our Christian Life, by resisting the beginnings of a life defined by riches and indulgence?  Are we willing to reconsider our usual actions and decisions in the light of simplicity, so as to more closely imitate Christ?
 
A final thought for today: if we constantly need to explain and justify our choices we must reconsider if they are actually simple – I would propose that simplicity does not need to be explained, it is direct and clear. 
 
 
The Sacred Paschal Triduum
 
A few reminders and resources for entering into the Sacred Paschal Triduum (and Easter Sunday) while we are limited to our homes.
 
Bishop Ronald W. Gainer has invited the faithful to join with him, remotely, for a digital Holy Week and Easter Masses. All live streams of Holy Week and Easter Masses will be recorded and available for view after the scheduled Mass, at the Diocese of Harrisburg YouTube Channel.
 
Bishop Gainer’s Holy Week and Easter Sunday schedule is as follows:
 

• Holy Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
• Good Friday at noon
• Easter Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

 
More information is available on the Diocese of Harrisburg Website, a special page has been dedicated to “ digital Holy Week” for your convenience.  This is a great privilege, to be able to join with Bishop Gainer – even remotely – for these important liturgies. 
 
FORMED
 
Don’t forget to look at FORMED.org – its accessible through the Parish Website and is offering many free and excellent resources during this most holy time of the year.
 
And…. A NEW RESOURCE… well, new to me anyway…
Given all the restrictions we are seeing a heightened awareness of digital resources to strengthen our Catholic Faith.  So, I want to share with you a prayer resource that may help us remain connected to the Church – to one another and our Catholic Faith – and more fully engaged in the beautiful occasions of prayer for Holy Week and the Easter season:  Hallow.   

Hallow is a Catholic prayer and meditation app that guides users in deepening their relationship with God through audio-guided contemplative prayer sessions. You can download the app here.  It is quite good, I recommend that you look into its features and give it a try – they currently are offering a free three month trial!

Also, the Hallow app comes recommended by a number of Bishops, priests, families, and teachers across the country. There is a quick tour of its features here on YouTube.
 
 
Know of my prayers for you, please pray for me!
 
Father Wilke
 
Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us!