Thursday, August 11, 2022

 Memorial of Saint Clare of Assisi, virgin

(Ezekiel 12:1-12; Matthew 18:21-19:1)

Prophets often use signs to convey the will of God.  In today’s first reading Ezekiel’s actions signify that the citizens of Jerusalem will soon be exiled.  His taking his belongings through a hole in the city wall shows its inhabitants will be likewise abruptly leaving.

St. Clare of Assisi is famous for a sign she made.  A beautiful young woman, her parents wanted her to marry.  But she felt a supreme love for Christ.  She expressed her unparalleled love for her spiritual friend by cutting her attractive hair.  She then entered a monastery to live in common with others with the same ideal.

In the gospel Jesus teaches his disciples the sign of a Christian.  Above all, Christians show their fellowship with Christ by forgiving from the heart.  This is not an easy task in our world where it has become fashionable to curse those who bother us.  But, Jesus implies, unless we do so, we will be eternally burdened by our sins.

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