Reflections on Simplicity

Pendle Hill Pamphlets

by Elaine M. Prevallet

It is good to begin by remembering that simplicity is a gift, for a gift cannot be grasped. And simplicity, in its own way, eludes our grasp. It seems, under scrutiny, to transmute itself into other virtues, now appearing as poverty of spirit, humility, dependence, abandonment, and then appearing as single-mindedness, integrity, purity of heart. One sees it more clearly when not looking directly at it, rather like the Pleiades, sparkling with quiet enticement just at the periphery of vision. God is like that, too. And, like God whose reflection it is, it often seems easier to approach simplicity by a kind of via negativa, by way of what it is not. And so, to start, I want to reflect on simplicity of life as opposed to a fragmented, complicated life.

41 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2015

Reviews

[Zana · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of our best pamphlets, I think. A bit of a wrench to read because oof, I am not living up to this kind of faithfulness.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one to return to often, Friends! The author offers readers a deep and refreshing challenge to rethink simplicity that is also inviting. With quotes from TS Eliot, Martin Buber, the Gospels among others, the pamphlet had me wanting to explore each with a new perspective toward her theme.