Noble Simplicity

Details: 29 March 2013

The faithful of the Catholic Church, and many others besides, have been enjoying and marveling at the newness being brought to the papacy by Pope Francis. Our new Holy Father’s style is marked by a noble simplicity characteristic of various elements of Catholic Tradition.

We begin with the ministry of Jesus Himself, which distinguished itself with so very many meetings of our Lord with those of lowly estate: the poor, the widowed, the crippled, sinners, lepers and criminals. Jesus consoled them, forgave their sins and healed their wounds. He did so with simple words and gestures, always being careful to safeguard the dignity of those to whom He ministered. Noble simplicity.

We observe the same qualities in those who carried on the work of Jesus: the Apostles. They too proclaimed the Gospel message and taught the truths of our faith in an uncomplicated way, faithful to the style of the Master who prepared them for ministry. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they traveled to the ends of the earth to bring joy and peace to all peoples via a simple message accompanied by seven grace-filled Sacraments. Noble simplicity.

We boast an impressive cadre of saints who have preserved, strengthened and enlarged the Catholic Church for more than 20 centuries. Their courageous witness to our Lord’s way of love and forgiveness transformed many a hardened sinner into faith-filled disciples. In many cases, their simple proclamation of the Gospel cost them their lives. Nevertheless, these martyrs accepted their gruesome fate with dignified submission, just as Christ did. Noble simplicity.

We benefit from the grace of Sacraments that initiate us into God’s family, the Church (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist), that fortify us to live out our vocations in a fruitful manner (Marriage, Holy Orders) and that console and heal us in our sinfulness and infirmities (Penance, Sacrament of the Sick). Jesus instituted these sacred signs to give us grace to assist us on our journey to heaven. The rituals associated with the conferral of the Sacraments are all quite straightforward, while the effects often are miraculous and life-changing. Noble simplicity.

We enjoy assorted aspects of Catholic culture that are second to none in their capacity to inspire. A rich legacy of beautiful church architecture and religious art, coupled with a diversity of sacred music and untold volumes of educational and inspirational literature, provides bountiful spiritual enrichment to Catholics and others who surround themselves with such things. A mere opening of our minds and hearts to the inspired nobility that defines Catholic culture can shape us in positive and profound ways. Noble simplicity.

We delight in the beginnings of a pontificate that promises to feature noble simplicity. As we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection this Easter, may we witness many spiritual resurrections among the Catholic faithful as they strive to follow Pope Francis’ lead in the continued renewal of the Church. Jesus left us with apostles and saints, Sacraments and a Holy Church—among other things—to assist us along the path to holiness. Let us immerse ourselves daily in the noble and simple things that God and His Church have to offer. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!