Conversion: The Result of Simplicity
[Simplicity] separates us entirely from earthly things, overpowers all our spiritual enemies, subjugates our evil passions, leads us to work purely for the love of God and opens for us the door to God. (OOCC, V, p. 319)
St. Vincent believed that the practice of the virtue of simplicity brings about genuine conversion within the person. For St. Vincent, the practice of this virtue separates a person completely from earthly things, overpowers all his spiritual enemies, subjugates every one of his evil passions, makes him act guided by the motive of the love of God, and raises him to the level of God. Thus, this virtue helps a person to detach himself from selfishness and earthly attractions, and guides him to seek God with the purity of intention. As a result, a person is able to turn away from all that is against God and turn to seek him alone. Once a person attempts to seek God always and everywhere, he gets so fully involved in this task that he loses his interest in and desire for selfish inclinations and worldly attachments. Hence, a person acts in every situation guided by good intentions and brings God’s blessings in his life and that of others. This in turn leads him to make a total surrender of himself to God. St. Vincent Pallotti practiced the virtue of simplicity with great zeal. He sought God as his treasure here on earth and sought to give him the glory in everything he did.
Does the virtue of simplicity bring about genuine conversion in my life? Am I able to detach myself from my selfishness and the attractions of the world? Am I able to attach myself to God by seeking him alone? Do I perform every act of mine with good intentions? Do I perform my actions for the manifestation of the glory of God?
If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. (Co. 3: 1)