Simplicity: July 29
Oh, how greatly is to be esteemed the generous resolve to imitate the ordinary, hidden life of our Lord Jesus Christ. This evidently is a thought which comes from God, because it is so far removed from flesh and blood.
One of St. Vincent's most cherished and constant aims was to imitate the hidden life of Christ. In fact, he had chosen a way of life apparently quite insignificant and ordinary. Externally nothing uncommon or singular was evident, but his interior life was admirable and wholly divine. He let everyone know that he was the son of a poor farmer and sought to be considered a simple village priest, hiding as much as possible his wonderful God-given gifts of nature and grace, which made him worthy of veneration. He was an excellent theologian, yet he called himself a poor ignorant student. He made as much effort to avoid honors and high offices as the ambitious make to obtain them. He absolutely abhorred all ostentation and found satisfaction in humiliations and self-abasement.
