Well, such a scenario is idealistic of course but it portray a certain attitude, a disposition of detachment. Not to be poor simply to be poor. What purpose would that serve? But to live more simply in order not to be weighed down by that which would distract me from my mission as a Christian.
Our Gospel today (the link above) reveals Jesus sending his disciples out on a missionary journey to preach the good news to them. He advises: " . . . take nothing for the journey but a walking stick - no food, no sack, no money in their belts. . . wear sandals but not a second tunic . . ." Go off and preach repentance relying on the charity of those you encounter - offer peace to them. Heal the sick and drive out demons.
While this was a singular requirement to these disciples for their journey, it certainly can be applied to ourselves. What is holding you down or distracting you from keeping Christ at the center of your life? We all can find attachments, distractions, and excuses. I think one sign of success in life is to maintain a certain balance between the spiritual and the material. Nothing wrong with living well but if my treasure is greater and more precious to me than my spiritual treasure, I'm off balance.
Let's take an example from these disciples and their mission today. Live more simply, assess your possessions and reflect on our attachments and distractions.
What would Jesus say to you as he sends you out?
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