The Life Space of Man and Animals

Let us revisit the introduction of this series to relate it to the third manner in which we can live out our life of faith.
The life space of man and animals reveal survival and developmental strategies that enable them to cope with the changes and events in their overall environment. That is, in maintaining and establishing relationship to te same species and using present biologically relevant things like shelter, nourishment and protection. Animals have instinctive abilities that help them to cope with the changes in the environment. They have built-in moderation that keeps them within what is needed. Human beings, on the other hand, have insight and freedom that help them determine and protect themselves from the excesses of instinctive needs or urges.
The Spirit of Poverty
The foregoing premise asserts that things are intended to be used basically for shelter, nourishment and protection to survive and that man is equipped with the capacity to use it wisely and protectively.
Poverty, in the religious sense, is the imitation of Christ who although He was rich became poor for us. His being poor was both in fact and spirit. It was a life of labor and lived in moderation and foreign to earthly goods. We, therefore, are called to exercise caution in the use and disposition of goods, likewise, sensitivity for the poor and for poverty that exists in the world today.
For the Filipinos, wealth may become a hindrance to self- growth if used otherwise. It might provide a way for “kayabangan” (pride) and “kasakiman”(greed).
Pride and greed are two vicious enemies of unity and harmony in all created things. Because of greed, someone may resort to ill means of getting wealth. Things are supposed to be used for basic necessities in order to preserve one’s life. However, it has become the sole purpose of a man’s endeavors preventing him from enjoying life in its truest sense.
Ang simpleng buhay (simple life), on the other hand, is an invitation to be one with nature and our Creator and to be one with others, too. Magbanat ng buto (Work hard), which elicits productivity and “humanp ng paraan” (search for a way) which also encourages us to search for a Creator (humanap ng Manililikha). This experience of oneness leads us to discover our root- or rootedness in a God.
Therefore, to live my life in a spirit of poverty is expressed in moderation. I will not be enslaved by wants that do not really give lasting satisfaction and meaning.

By Nena Quijano/Contributor