Lest You Remain

ing him a thing to make him ask for permission to keep it; or even by bringing to the convent or the religious house, even small things which are against the spirit of holy poverty. Further, have you not hidden from the Superior anything you could fairly possess? Or maybe you have not given things you received as gifts from oth- ers for the common use, or by your insistence, you have compelled the Superior to agree on your exclusive use of them? Realize that just as naked you have risen from the dust, naked you shall return there. For Christ left Heaven and was born naked in a stable for you, so that you would imitate Him in this austerity. ( Inspectio Cordis ) 9 Now contemplate the issues concerning neatness in poverty. Therefore, do you keep your room, your cassock and other things tidy, keeping in mind the saying of a saint: “Poverty always pleased me, but orderly.” Further, haven’t you demanded fancy meals, other than the norm, without any necessity, only to feed your greediness; or have you eaten the ordinary food reluc- tantly or with complaining? Finally, haven’t you tried to accumulate books, even devotional ones, out of pure curiosity, and haven’t you filled your cell with them? Perhaps you have not always tried to reach a more perfect, higher level of noble poverty? ( Inspectio Cordis ) 10 The essence of your poverty rests in not possessing anything in private, with- out the approval of the Superior, and not daring to call anything one’s own. Things given for him to use, should be kept clean and intact for as long as possible. All revenues should be for the common use, no matter whether they came from alms or anywhere else; and the way to collect, keep and distribute them, described in the papal decrees, should be kept in its entirety, under the threat of the penalties included there. May no one retain money, at the risk of losing the active and passive voice regarding elections; or any food or drinks without the permission of the Superior, Fr. Founder’s Selected Thoughts on the Religious Life 153