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Gospel: Matthew 16: 24-28
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,
take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world
and forfeit his life?
Or what can one give in exchange for his life?
For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory,
and then he will repay each according to his conduct.
Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here
who will not taste death
until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
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Who do you know more about, Saint Francis of Assisi or Saint Clare?
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Most of us would probably say, “Saint Francis of Assisi.”
He was a lover of animals; he started the Franciscans; he was an itinerant preacher; he lived in Italy; and he wrote that fabulous prayer, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”
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But what about Saint Clare? Who was she?
Both Francis and Clare were born into wealthy Italian families. Both jettisoned their fortunes to follow the Lord. Both are considered Saints. They were also best friends.
Clare was drawn to Francis’ deep spirit and jovial nature. In fact, they became so close that Clare founded a second order of the Franciscans, the Poor Clares.
To this day, both religious orders remain active around the world, some 800 years after their founding.
But what draws me to Saint Clare is the fact that, unlike Francis, she’s largely forgotten.
Although they were very close friends; although they both helped rebuild and reform the Church; although they both made incredible sacrifices to follow the Lord, Francis receives most of the recognition.
And for Clare, that was okay. She didn’t need the spotlight; so long as God was glorified.
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Claire reminds us that every Christian should seek to build the Kingdom of God in two ways, through humility and friendship.
Find people who bring out the best in us, who challenge us to become better, more humble servants, who sanctify our spirit much like Francis did for Clare.
Do I have such a friend? And, more importantly, can I be such a friend?
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