The Memorial of St Clare

THE MEMORIAL OF ST CLARE: Ezk. 2:8-3:4, Mt. 18:1-5.10.12-14. Sometimes the kind of questions people ask reveal their values and priorities. The question that the disciples put to Jesus in today’s Gospel: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” suggests a certain interest on their part in status and standing. In response to their question, Jesus did something remarkable. He called a child over and placed the child in front of them; he then informed them that they need to become like the child to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus teaches us to be child-like not childish, child-like in the sense of a child-like trust in a loving Father, which awaits everything from God and grabs at nothing, including status and standing. Greatness comes to those who make themselves as dependent on God as children are dependent on adults for their protection, existence and well-being.

The response given by Jesus to the question explains the of details of the beatitude: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” where total surrender to the will of God and deeper relationship with Him is required. Being in relationship with God may seem difficult when we first think about it. The more we accept the relationship, however, the easier and more pleasant it becomes. In today's first reading, Ezekiel is asked to take the written scroll on which God has written the divine commands and messages. He is asked to eat it, not just by reading and knowing it, but by devouring and interiorise it so that it becomes a part of him. St Clare whose memorial we celebrate made the Word of God part of her life in her great piety and love for God. Clare dedicated herself to God and His service despite the attempts made by her father to force her to abandon her commitment and new life. She refused to be dissuaded and remained firm in her conviction to lead a holy life dedicated to God. Eventually together with other women who wished to dedicate themselves to the service of God through prayer and holiness, they became the founder of the religious order of the Poor Clares.

May the Lord help us to be child-like with genuine faith and dedication, filled with love and the desire to seek God at all times! Amen!! Keep safe and have a wonderful day!!!

Revd Fr Samuel Frederick.