Memorial of St. Clare, Virgin
“Love God,
serve God;
everything is in that.”
Words from the letter of St. Clare capture the essence of the messages we get from today’s readings. We are near the beginning of the daily readings from the prophet Ezekiel, a prophet during the Babylonian exile who was prone to some rather striking visions. Today he is offered the Word of God in a scroll. But rather than reading and contemplating the word, he is asked to devour it. Having eaten, and finding it as sweet as honey, Ezekiel is instructed to speak the words to God’s people.
St. Clare was offered the Word of God in the preaching of St. Francis, whose Jubilee Year we are celebrating this year. She found his preaching sweet and determined to follow his way of simplicity. In doing so she was blessed and empowered to herself become a Foundress for Franciscan women, beginning with the group we now call the Poor Clares.
In choosing simplicity, Sts. Clare & Francis exemplify what Jesus tells us in the Gospel, that “the greatest in the heavenly reign” are those who give up status and possessions and “become like little children”. In Jesus’ day, children had very low social status. For Clare and Francis, loving God and serving God was all important, and relying on God’s grace and provision was how they wanted their followers to live.
Let us spend a part of this day, devouring God’s word and experiencing the sweetness of it so that we can be well nourished to love and serve.
—Sr. Laura M. Leming, FMI, PhD. (Marianist Sister)