What is simplicity?

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3

When Jesus said become like children I have a feeling he did not mean suck your thumb again, or learn to crawl, I don’t think he wanted us to become ignorant, uncensored, or unlearned. What Jesus wants from us is a pure heart willing to become vulnerable to him. A simple heart, one that is dependent, trusting, open, and loving toward him. Not afraid to follow, not cautious of failure, not doubtful of truth spoken.

Recently, the Carmelite sisters of Alhambra, CA posted a quote on their facebook page which made me pause in the midst of my day. I read it and considered how something so simple could become so complicated in my life. The quote was words from their mother foundress, Mother Maria Luisa Josefa of the Most Blessed Sacrament (or Mother Luisita for short) which read: “My recommendation to you is this: Be simple. Simplicity is a beautiful virtue very pleasing to our Lord.”

Simply put, life is not as complicated as we make it out to be. And God is pleased with us as we are. Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Jn 14:6 As the light of the world he offers a brighter path than any other light can give.

If we were to take out our life’s compass what would we see? would we find in it a North, South, East, West or would there be one simple but certain direction, “God”? Would we be more inclined to follow a four way compass or a one way? As far as I am concerned one direction is easier to handle and more peaceful to follow. The One, Beautiful,  True, and Good God is definitely worth our trust. Hearts would no longer be divided, the soul would be fulfilled, every action straightforward and full of pure intention, words would bear fruit, and thoughts rest on the divine.

Could such a way truly be grasped. Could it really bring joy into our lives? Well if God is the creator of all things and the source of all things, if He alone can sustain all things into being, and provide the fullness of Love by his very essence, what other way can we possibly follow if not the way of perfection? The way of union with Him.

Faith brings about this simple abandonment to the Divine. It is through faith that we can make sense of life’s circumstances. The hand of God is in everything we do, experience, say, think, decide. And it is up to us to accept divine providence at work in us. God is the one from whom all good things come. He uses every part of us for his glory and in his glory we are sanctified.

One mission: Love

One goal: Heaven

One purpose: God’s glory

One Way: Jesus

One attitude: Simplicity

It is that simple; Go to our Lord for answers, for help, for love, for guidance

Go to our Lord in sorrow, anger, fear, doubt, despair

Go to our Lord with gratitude, joy, peace, abandonment, success.

United with Him we can become who he intended us to be as long as we continue to follow His divine compass which leads back to him. Cant get any more straight forward. Simple as that.