Jean Vanier

Creator God, help us to recognize Jesus in the holy people we meet every day. Help us to grow into holiness. Amen.

The Quakers have a song that says "Tis a gift to be simple." The song identifies a spiritual quality often missing in today’s world: simplicity. Many of us are so focused on getting ahead and being successful that we no longer have time to appreciate nature, enjoy leisure activities, or have fun. Actually, it might be more accurate to say we do not make time for simple things because we no longer see their value.

Jean Vanier, the son of a former Canadian governor general, knows that simplicity is not a waste of time. He has devoted his life to living with and caring for people who are mentally disabled. He lives with and learns from these people. Through the L’Arche (The Ark) communities, Vanier has learned to see the world with childlike eyes, to marvel at nature, and to relish ordinary daily experiences.

Working with those who are mentally disabled has taught Jean Vanier what it means to be a holy person. It has also taught him that God can be found everywhere and in every person. Faith, hope, and love are not the exclusive domain of theologians and religious educators. Most often we find these gifts in children and people with childlike qualities.

Family Activity

Together think of two neighborhood families, or family relatives, who seem to have a less frantic lifestyle than others around them do. Do they seem happier? What about their lifestyle would you like to see in your own family? What qualities of your family do you most want to hold onto? to change? Discuss. Then, plan and set aside time for your family to share a simple, pleasurable activity together.

See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information.
See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturg