Stuff

Many people downsize at some point in our lives. We may go all Marie Kondo out of a desire to simplify and declutter. Or, we may need to downsize our living space. It is amazing how much stuff we own that we can do without. Still, most of us hang on to some prized possessions. We usually do so because of their perceived intrinsic value, or some sentimental reason. But how far could you go?  What would be the result if you let go of virtually everything you owned?

That was what the desert monks did, some of whom had grown up rich. When they entered the desert, they usually gave it all away to the poor. Their years in the desert were defined by just a few possessions – a jug for water, a mat to sleep on, some simple clothes and utensils for their hut or cave. They lived with few possessions. Surely this would solve the problem of greed and attachment to material goods?

Here’s what Abba Daniel had to say about how some monks dealt with their reduced store of material possessions.  Daniel lived in the Egyptian desert among the monks of Skete in the 6^th century. 

“Something ridiculous should be mentioned…..To have despised extensive goods and property will certainly be of little profit to these (monks) because they’ve transferred their feelings for those things … to small and insignificant items.… Since they are excessively attached to mats, baskets, blankets, books, and other things of the sort, however trifling they may be, they are still held down by the same yearnings as before. They even guard and defend these things so jealously that they are not ashamed to be upset with a brother because of them, nor even – what is worse – to quarrel with him…. 

It is as if a mere difference of metals and not the very passion of covetousness were harmful; as if, since it is not permitted to get angry about great matters, one would be guiltless in becoming so with regard to trifling ones.… Therefore, this renunciation does not achieve perfection of heart because, although it has a poor man’s property, it has not laid aside a rich man’s will.”

Our culture teaches us to extend our identity to our material possessions, defining ourselves through consumer goods, all of which wear out eventually, sometimes even in just a season. But is this wise or healthy? If we were to lose all our material goods suddenly, would we be less worthy as a human being? Isn’t this what happens to refugees? Is this not everyone’s fate when we die? You can’t take it with you, afterall. Why does stuff matter so much to us, and who are we without our stuff? Peace. 

-Rev. Stephen Milton, Lawrence Park Community Church, Toronto

Quotation Source: John Cassian, The Conferences, 4th conference XXI

If you would like to subscribe to this series, please contact stephen@lawrenceparkchurch.ca