Jesus often taught about earthly possessions and how we can be very attached to them. I have frequently wondered how literally these teachings should be taken. Do they mean we should only possess necessary goods, or is it permissible to enjoy more possessions?
When my children became young adults, my daughter and I began going to antique shows and shops in the Midwest. We both liked old things, which held nostalgic memories of my grandparents and parents. We developed a special interest in old quilts from the 1800’s. After my daughter moved across the country, I continued to browse with friends or alone. Little appealing antiques began to clutter “my” home, as I was lovingly chided by my husband, so then I collected mainly quilts.
Over the span of a couple of years, I noticed many references to detachment from material things as I read the Scripture and reflections found in the monthly “Magnificat” devotional booklets. I was bothered by this. How poor does “poor in spirit” mean? While possessions are not bad in themselves, sometimes our dependence on them might be.
I wondered if all my “treasures,” while adding such a charming touch to my home, perhaps should not be taking up so much space, both in my home and in my heart. So, I challenged myself in terms of detaching from the various antiques and eventually was able to sell most of them.
When it came to the antique quilts, I told myself, “No way!” It took around a half-year of frequently challenging myself before eventually being able to part with some of them. After another 6 months, I felt that I’d conquered my attachment because I was finally willing to give away or sell them if the occasion arose. I realized that I had truly detached from the quilts when a visitor asked me which quilt was my favorite. After thinking for a minute, I answered that it was the one I was going to half-gift/half-sell to my sister in California!
Once I was willing to part with my precious possessions, I understood more clearly what being “poor in spirit” meant. While I still treasure the memories associated with hunting for antiques and quilts, my physical “treasures” no longer held my heart hostage. I find my heart is more open to the things of God, and hopefully it is more aligned with his Kingdom.
Reflection by Jane Ellen Muller Colella ’67
