Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of
Saint Clare, V. (11th August, 2018) on the Gospel and the Memorial
Hab 1:12–2:4;
Ps 9:8-13. (R. v. 11);
Matt 17:14-20.
Saint
Clare of Assisi (16th July, 1194 – 11th August, 1253) was
born in Assisi as Chiara Offreduccio. The preaching of Saint Francis of Assisi
during Lent when she was 18 made her sought for his guidance. She joined the
convent of the Benedictine nuns of San Paulo, near Bastia, under Francis’
orders. Her father tried unsuccessfully to force her back into his home. Other
women who desired to be brides of Jesus later joined her and were known as the “Poor
Ladies of San Damiano”. They lived a simple life of austerity, seclusion, and
poverty, according to a Rule which Francis gave them as a Second Order. They wore
no shoes, ate no meat, lived in a poor house, and kept silent most of the time.
Their lives consisted of manual labour and prayer. The city of Assisi was
protected from the attack of an army of rough soldiers from Frederick II in
1224 through her intercession before the Blessed Sacrament. She died on 11th
August, 1253. At Pope Innocent's request, her process of canonization began
immediately. She was canonized as Saint Clare of Assisi in 1255 by Pope
Alexander IV. The Order of Poor Ladies was officially changed to the Order of
Saint Clare in 1263 by Pope Urban IV. She is the patron saint of television, eye
disease, goldsmiths, and laundry.[1]
Topic: Trust in the Lord.
A man came to Jesus in today’s gospel, kneeling he prayed, “Lord, have mercy on my
son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; he often falls into the
fire and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, but they
could not cure him” (Matt 17:15-16).
Jesus replied, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I
be with you? How much longer must I put up with you?” Jesus rebuked the demon,
it came out of the boy and he was cured instantly.
Had it being that the man did not run to Jesus, the situation
of the boy would either remain or might even worsen. He would have gone home
disappointed and dejected.
In our own case, where do we put our trust? Often it is
either in this or that man or woman of God, both real and fake. Hence, a good
number go home disappointed. The Psalmist rightly noted, “Surely everyone stands
as a mere breath. Surely everyone goes about like a shadow. Surely for nothing
they are in turmoil” (Ps 39:5-8). Note
that those men and women of God are inclusive.
Nevertheless “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount
Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever” (Ps 125:1). The Psalmist also exhorts, “Trust in the LORD, and do
good; so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security” (Ps 37:3). And in the book of Proverbs we also read, “Trust in the
LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight” (Prov 3:5). Our Lord is an everlasting
rock, cf. Is 26:4. Saint Clare we celebrate
today put all her trust in the Lord against all odds.
Bible Reading: Ps 125:1-5.
Thought for today: Where is your trust?
Let us pray: Lord, give us the grace to remain
always faithful to you – Amen.
Saint Clare – Pray for us.
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others if you consider it worthy.
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May
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