Five Reasons to Simplify Life in Your Family
by Susan Vogt - a speaker, author of five books, and former editor of the Journal of the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers.

Crowded time is not good for the spirit.
Consider the frenetic life many of us lead. We may thrive on it for a while, but eventually it takes a toll not only on our health but also on our family time and on our spirit.

Too many possessions can make more work or make us lazy.
This may seem like a contradiction because much of modern technology is meant to free us of repetitive or menial tasks so that we can be more productive. Surely automatic washers and dryers free up a day that might be devoted to interaction with children. Computers speed up communication and maximise the number of people we can be in touch with. But do you find yourself washing clothes more often or getting more junk e-mail and spending more time on the Internet just because it's so easy?

On the other hand, if children have all kinds of stimulating electronic games and gadgets to occupy their free time, will they think to take a hike or create a play?

Waiting, longing, and working for something increases appreciation.
Even if we can afford many things or lavish holidays, we do our children a disservice if we provide too much. It may make us feel better for not spending time with them, but it takes away their need to stretch, to delay gratification, to savour what they have and long for something else. A toy or experience that has been “longed for” is much more appreciated. Ungrateful children usually have too much stuff.

Consuming less is a small step toward a more just world.
It just doesn't seem right that some people on our earth have much more than they need while others lack the basic necessities. Can one person living more simply make a difference? Not much. Can a family influence a society to reduce consumption so that others can have a little more? In time, step by step, yes —making our world a better place to live for all, through the actions of those who care, starting at home. The increasing gap between the rich and the poor just is not fair.

Consuming less is good for our planet.
Realistically, most of us are not going to make drastic changes in our lifestyle, but reducing unnecessary consumption can at least clear our minds and reduce the strain on air, land, and water resources.

Gospel Reading
Luke 18:1-8
Jesus urges his disciples to pray and not lose heart, for God hears and answers prayers.

Background on the Gospel Reading
Last Sunday we heard the first of two parables that Jesus tells in Luke 18 about prayer. (The second will be read at Mass next Sunday.) This first parable is a lesson in persistence in prayer. (Next Sunday's parable will address attitude in prayer.) While the parable seems to present prayer as nagging God for what we want, such a reading misses the point. God is not like the judge in the parable, worn down by requests and coerced to respond. The key is found in the description of the judge as corrupt and unjust. Since God can be neither, we must understand Jesus to be saying that if even an unjust judge responds to the persistence of the widow, how much more so will God listen to our prayers. God truly wants to hear our needs and respond generously. It is the final lament of Jesus that gets to the point of the parable. The lesson is about the persistence of the one who prays. God wants us to be like the persistent widow, staying in relationship with God, confident that God hears and answers prayers. Then Jesus laments, “Will such faith be found when the Son of Man comes?” In this expression of grief, Jesus notes how easy it can be for us to lose heart.

Jan Harvey
Assistant Principal