***
Gospel: Matthew 18: 1-5, 10, 12-14
The disciples approached Jesus and said,
“Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”
He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said,
“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children,
you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.
Whoever becomes humble like this child
is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.
And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones,
for I say to you that their angels in heaven
always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.
What is your opinion?
If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray,
will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills
and go in search of the stray?
And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it
than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.
In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father
that one of these little ones be lost.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
***
***
Who do you know more about, Saint Francis of Assisi or Saint Clare?
***
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.”
***
But what about Saint Clare, whose feast day we celebrate today?
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 she founded a second order of the Franciscans, the Poor Clares. To this day, both religious orders remain active around the world, some 800 years later.
What draws me to Clare is the fact that she’s the lesser known of the two Saints; a bit like a drummer in a band, as opposed to the lead singer.
Although she and Francis both helped to rebuild and reform the Church; although they both left everything behind to follow Jesus, Francis receives most of the recognition.
And for Clare, that was okay. She didn’t need the spotlight; she was content playing a supporting role, seeking only to glorify God with her life.
***
Clare’s example leaves us several questions to ponder.
Like her, do I seek to glorify God with my life? Am I content with going unnoticed, or do I need recognition for doing good?
Do I have a holy friend like Francis, someone who points me closer to God? Am I that friend for others?
***
Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us.
***
***
Image credits: (1) Clare of Assisi, Wikipedia (2) Renovaré (3) Dreamstime.com