(Intro) This morning we celebrate St Clare, an early follower of St Francis. Through Francis she came to know the simplicity and the attraction of following Christ so let us take a moment to reflect on any failures of our own in following Him.
(After the gospel) When his disciples asked Jesus who was the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven, Jesus told them and tells us about becoming like little children. It is only when we know our total dependence on the grace of God that we can open our hearts fully to a divine life that will last forever. St Clare in her own search for integrity has become a great model of this kind of humility, so pleasing in the eyes of God.
Even the religious life can become a subtle way of taking charge of our lives, of showing what we can do in order to impress others. Influence, power and wealth all too easily blind us to what God intends for our lives. Something far more subtle, far more profound is to take place.
Jesus transforming the simple elements of bread and wine into his Body and Blood as is about to take place at this altar, is a constant reminder of what God wishes for each of our lives. Let us then, allow the Holy Spirit to overshadow us so that our hearts be filled with God’s love, becoming living members of the Kingdom of heaven.
Ezek 2:8-3:4; Matt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14