Tis a gift to be simple…

This week we were thinking about St Francis, with this reading:

At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do….

‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’

from Matthew 11

Looking back at last year I realised that we had this reading and thought about St. Francis at our first in person Communion service here a year ago after a long break. I think it’s not a bad thing to start with St. Francis. And maybe we already need to hear the promise that the end of the reading for those who are weary and burdened…

St. Francis was described as childlike – simple. And some people looked down on him because of that. Being called simple used to be an insult – simple Simon! It meant someone who had what we would now call learning difficulties. But it was also used to put people in their place when their ideas didn’t fit the usual wisdom of the world.

Jesus teaches that the wisdom of the world doesn’t allow space for true simplicity – for the childlike ability to hear with innocence and respond with the heart. Francis had to let go of the riches of his family and leave his wealthy and pleasure loving friends and make space in his life to listen. Then he was able to hear the call of Jesus to him when he wandered into the ruined church of San Damiano near Assisi.

Finding this sort of simplicity isn’t easy. The other day I heard a composer talking about how difficult it is to compose music that sounds simple. If we are to find simplicity in our lives then we need to focus – to seek ‘the one thing that is necessary’ as Jesus says to busy Martha, and to let go of the many things that clutter our minds – the noise of our anxious ego, the chatter of the media, the insistent voices that place so many demands on us.

We long for the easy yoke of Jesus, but we can only take this on if we let go of all the other things that we are trying to carry. We can’t escape our situation, or our personality – we are probably not being called to wander off into a new life, like Francis. But if we can find a space of quietness even for a short while each day, we can lay these burdens aside. We can focus just on the loving presence of Jesus, of God. That may bring us peace – or it may sometimes make us aware of the pain of costly love, as it did Francis. But it may help us also to find again a different centre for our lives, away from our constant preoccupations – centring ourselves simply on the loving presence of God.

There’s an old song that starts ‘Tis a gift to be simple, tis a gift to be free’ – and it reminds me of a prayer which has remained with me for many years – ‘Lord, lead us in the joy, the freedom and the simplicity of the gospel…’

I know my longing for that freedom and for that simplicity – and I sense that this is also the source of joy – as it was for St. Francis. I also know my resistance to this way of living – and my mistaken belief that I must carry all my burdens and responsibilities myself. Jesus calls us to come to him, to let go, and to allow him to free us to live in joyful simplicity.

Spend a few moments being open to the presence of Jesus, of God, here with us and within us – and letting go…

Lord Jesus, you know the burdens we are carrying, and the strain we sometimes feel. We pray for rest for our souls. Help us learn to let go. Help us hand over the responsibility to you and take on your easy yoke.

Loving Lord, we are aware of those around us who feel weighed down by anxiety… Those worried about the cost of living… International students trying to find accommodation… People with many different concerns… May they find help, and hope.

Lord, lead us in your way of freedom, simplicity and joy, and may our lives shine with your love.  Amen.