1 Timothy 6:6-8
There is great gain in godliness with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world; but if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
One of the disciples of St. Francis of Assisi followed in Brother Francis’ footsteps by suddenly abandoning all his earthly possessions and going off as a pauper. Like Francis, his life took on an air of lightheartedness and gaiety few people in this world have ever known. What was his secret? He chose the opposite of the rich young man in the gospels and went away happy, for he had nothing. Having empty hands frees us to lift them in gratitude and praise like St. Francis. It also frees us to take in hand the work God desires us to do. Likewise, it frees us to bear Christ’s wounds as St. Francis bore the stigmata and shared his sufferings. But most of all, it frees us for the moment when the wounded hand of Christ will take us by the hand and bring us (though not our bank accounts, junk collections, or awards and trophies) to be with him forever. But then, we won’t miss that stuff. It was just clutter. He is what matters.
