Living Simply as an IHM Disciple

As I reflected on the theme of “Living Simply” the opening words of our IHM Mission Statement came to mind since they have become very significant to me. “Our mission as Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is to follow Jesus as a community of disciples, aware that we are sent to be a clear and understandable prophetic witness to the presence of God in the world.  This mission is further clarified in our statement on evangelical poverty. “An IHM Sister commits herself to a simple lifestyle rooted in the Gospel.”

The Gospels depict Jesus’ message and lifestyle and indicate ways in which we should strive to live simply as faith-filled disciples. Those who listened intently desired to develop a personal relationship with Jesus and discover ways in which they could live as disciples, not merely as observers.

Following Jesus as a disciple has become an important aspect of my IHM life and mission. After many years serving as a teacher, principal, DRE/youth minister, and pastoral associate, the image of being a disciple, especially in today’s world, has taken on great significance for me.

Jesus called and formed disciples in many ways during his mission on earth. He called them through his teachings, parables, miracles, and his loving presence among them.  Being a disciple was a call meant for many people Jesus encountered as well as the twelve apostles and the seventy-two disciples mentioned in the Gospels. It is a call also intended for each of us, perhaps in a greater and more challenging way in today’s world and church.

This Holy Year of Hope is depicted in the graphic image of sailing pilgrims holding on to the cross and anchor of hope. We are those “pilgrims” seeking HOPE in so many ways as we hold on to what is physically, materially and spiritually life-giving for us as we sail through life, trying to hold on to what really matters.  In announcing the Holy Year, Pope Francis stated, “we must fan the flame of hope given to us and help everyone gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision.” He also said that living simply means living a more meaningful life, and he has encouraged people to focus on simplicity, charity, and love.

As an IHM disciple, I tried to focus on the meaning of discipleship when I was actively engaged in parish ministry. Discerning ways to live and act like disciples, individually, as families and as a community became very meaningful to me. I became more aware of the many qualities of discipleship, such as  listening to messages from Jesus, applying them to life situations, loving and forgiving others, trusting deeply in God’s plan in various situations, observing opportunities to interact and share faith with others and developing a deeper sense of trust. The need for prayer and contemplation also became a priority.

The vision of my IHM mission of following Jesus as a “community of disciples” has become significant in my growing awareness of the spiritual hunger that I have discovered in people who are searching and longing for opportunities to deepen their “disciple” relationship by sharing their faith life with others, especially through the Gospel. We do this in various ways as IHMs, and I have discovered that this is a longing of many people.  After years of journeying with our IHM Associates, the vision and experience of “community of disciples” has become a vibrant reality.

My vow of poverty and living a “simple lifestyle” has also taken on greater relevance in recent years, especially since I have shifted from active ministry. The concepts of “needs versus wants” and “downsizing” have taken on greater significance in my life as I  become more aware of what living simply really means in terms of clothing, food, material things, purchases, recycling, caring for creation, and how I spend my time.

My ministry is now described as “Volunteer Outreach for Spiritual Formation.” It’s both a challenging and life-giving ministry. I am enriched by my monthly gatherings with three groups of Associates. We share Gospel reflections with a discipleship focus related to their life experiences as well as share insights into ways to give our IHM Charism relevance. Associates also give witness by their service to those in need and by how they live simply in today’s world.  Although I can’t physically do some of the things I see and hear them doing, I am well aware that they are truly IHM disciples who are living simply. I journey with them through prayer, affirmation, support and awareness of their discipleship efforts in their communities.

The vision of the Holy Year “Pilgrims of Hope” logo in the boat is a very poignant image for me in terms of those who are searching for what is necessary and relevant in their lives. May they hold on to simplicity, charity and love as they look to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and the far-sighted vision of a disciple desiring to live simply.