Are you working on spring cleaning? Well, why not take to the next level – spring purging!
As Companions of Christ, every year Fr. Stiles and I do what we call “the purge.” The purge means going through all of our belongings and asking ourselves a few questions, like: “Do I really need this? Does this really help me live a life closer to Christ? What would I really be losing if I gave this away?” We then come up with a pile of things to give away. Finally – and this is the kicker – we go into each other’s rooms and inspect the other’s possessions and ask questions about whether there is anything else that ought to be purged. It certainly gives some added motivation to get rid of things when you know that you’re going to have to explain why when you don’t!
While it can be a little painful to give your stuff away, I have always found it to be a positive experience. I always feel lighter when trimming down my possessions and I usually don’t even miss them afterwards.
The goal is ultimately freedom from attachments to the things of this world and simplicity of life so as to follow Christ in a more unhindered way.
Simplicity of life is especially important for priests, but it’s important for all Christians. In the first reading this past Sunday, we heard about how the first Christians sold their possessions and laid the proceeds at the feet of the apostles to be distributed according to need (Acts 4). Letting go of the “stuff” that fills our lives is something we can all do better at – especially here in the USA.
If you decide to join us in “the purge,” I have one recommendation that can make it a lot easier. Anytime you are hesitating about giving a certain item away, simply ask yourself, “how much would I be willing to pay for this if I didn’t already own it?” You will be surprised at how low that dollar amount usually is.