Detachment

 Jesus said, “Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again” (Luke 6:27).

             When I returned from my first Mission Trip to Brazil, I was determined I was going to make some serious changes to my lifestyle. During the trip I saw people whose standard of living was far lower than mine yet were happier and more faith filled than myself. “How can I get what they have?” I asked myself. The answer, I was certain, was to get rid of most of my possessions. Over the next week I went through my stuff to determine what I would keep and which items I would throw away. By the time I finished, I was disappointed at how many things were still left. Yet, the process triggered a new insight. Those people in Brazil were happy because they had all they needed. Although they knew most people in Brazil had more possessions than themselves it didn’t bother them because they detached themselves from the desire for more stuff. Their goods were reminders of how God cared for them. They attached no other meaning to them. The insight prompted me to ask myself what meaning I attach to my stuff. When I went through my things a second time, this question made it easier to part with more items.

            In this passage from Luke, Jesus instructs his disciples to give to those who beg and not ask for what was taken from them. By doing so, he teaches them how detachment is an essential quality for a disciple.

            According to the Jewish Law, the relationship between a person and his or her property was complex. It prohibited theft and covetousness towards the goods of others. Since it was God who gave the Promised Land to Jews, its continued possession within a family was critical. This need led to the practice of Levirate Marriage where a man married his deceased brother’s wife in the hope of the birth of an heir. The return of property to its original owners was one of the main requirements of the Jubilee Year. Such sections of the Jewish Law reinforced the attachment of individuals to their property. Yet, other provisions in the Law placed limits on one’s control over one’s goods. After the collection of crops from a grainfield or vineyard, any remaining stalks or fruit were left for the poor. It also required generosity towards those in need with no regard for one’s personal benefit. Christ’s Teaching expanded upon this latter element of the Jewish Law. Since all property originated with God, claims of ownership were never absolute. Detachment was the realization of God’s sovereignty over all Creation. Hatred of one’s enemies, retaliation as a response to an assault and the restoration of seized goods indicated a worldly attachment to life and goods. Security and prosperity were under one’s control. However, Disciples put their trust in divine providence. Attachment to God meant detachment from the world and its way of thinking. It was this attitude which distinguished Disciples from other people.

            Within the past generation, the attitudes many individuals have towards their possessions have become more complicated. There was a time when an automobile was considered primarily a means of transportation. Although the wealthy usually bought different models from the rest of us, most people looked at such practical things as gas mileage, reliability and maintenance costs when making their purchase. Now a car is a fashion statement. Individuals are concerned about such things as: how they feel while driving it; the impression it makes on others; and the number being sold. In addition, many people treat their automobile like a member of the family. Today, the meaning attached to any possession is determined not by any kind of objective standard but the personal feelings of its owner which can rapidly fluctuate. This trend makes it difficult for a Catholic or any person of faith to practice an attitude of detachment. It is our faith which gives us a way to measure the value of any object. Our faith also reminds us that all we have comes from God and Divine Providence will supply our needs but not always our desires. People who adopt these ideas go against the current of our individualistic and materialistic society. They stand out and are often ridiculed for it. Yet, it is because they recognize the true value of their possessions that they can become detached from them. They know what they need and are grateful to God for it. What they don’t need they don’t have to need.

            Those people in Brazil taught me an important lesson. It is we who attach meaning to our possessions. Our faith can help us decide whether that meaning makes sense. How we respond to that decision says a lot about what type of disciple we are.

February 20, 2022