“I’ve done a lot of funerals, and I’ve never seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul.” – Father Bruce H.

Living simply is a stirring in my soul. Among the methods to pare down one’s possessions and activities, there is one that transcends cultural fads and speaks to the heart of our relationship with Jesus: Christian minimalism. It begins with asking Jesus what He is calling us to, then uses that invitation to measure our material, temporal and spiritual needs accordingly. What distracts us from following our unique call goes. This prayerful process yields peace, order and a holy contentment from knowing that we have what we need.

And it’s not just a theory. I’ve had a front row seat to families, couples and priests ridding their lives of excess then experiencing a renewed zeal for life. Every so often I moonlight as a Catholic minimalist consultant, invited by someone who is overwhelmed to help bring clarity and order. I point them to Jesus as they scrutinize what stays in their homes and on their calendars.

When I need inspiration for myself or clients, the rich young man’s story in Mark 10:17-31, compels me to eliminate distraction. The young man humbly approaches Jesus to ask what he can do to gain eternal life. Affirming his adherence to the Commandments, the young man hears, “Sell your possessions, give to the poor, and follow me.” He walks away dejected, too attached to what Jesus asked him to sacrifice.

Jesus beckons each of us to a custom-made plan, a charge suited to our God-given gifts, and He equips us with the needed graces to do it. It is our path to holiness and deep, abiding joy. Through holy minimalism we maintain what we need to follow the Lord and detach from the rest; hence Christ’s invitation to the almost-disciple.

I’ll apply this to my own Catholic family: God calls me to love my husband and our children, as well as to make our home welcoming to guests. Our small home is not overrun with stuff, but it looks lived-in. God also called me to my apostolates of writing, speaking and consulting, so I keep what I need to support that work. Material simplicity means whatever is enough to say “yes” to God is enough. What fails to serve a purpose, whether for the body or soul, goes.

My heart breaks when the rich young man walks away from Christ’s invitation. How could anyone be so stuck on his stuff that he walks away from Jesus? But then I check myself, because the reality is I do it all the time. We sin. We go our own ways. I wish so much that instead of walking away, the rich young man had asked Jesus for help. The Lord asks big things of us, but He never asks us to do them alone—he gives us grace and sustains us through the process.

Life is chock full of attachments that distract us from intimacy with the Lord. Letting go of the materials or activities that make us hesitate to be with Jesus is paramount to holiness and peace. Of course, it’s not wrong to keep what we want or use, but occasionally giving up items makes room for a deeper devotion to God. Remember, store up your treasure in heaven.

I initially took on minimalism so that our little house would fit our growing family. Decluttering made our space feel new and refreshing; but as I kept adding to the donation pile, I saw more clearly how much people matter. It brought me joy to serve others’ needs and look for ways I could help their days be easier. The mindset of keeping things “just in case” dissolved, replaced by confidence that God provides. He always has.

Practicing minimalism in light of God’s unique call for each of our lives yields a previously unrealized peace and freedom, as well as a renewed gratitude and joy in Christ. It is far less a cultural trend and much more a soul matter. Begin now. Address a small portion of counter top, or even the apps on your phone. Take small steps to realize the sanctifying freedom of simplicity.

Katie Sciba is a national speaker and Catholic Press Award- winning columnist. Katie has been married for 14 years and is blessed with six children.

This article appeared in the September 2023 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here