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.
