Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Clare of Assisi (1193-1253)

Saint Clare of Assisi was of noble birth, but when she was 18 she was so moved by the Lenten sermons of Saint Francis of Assisi that she renounced all her possessions to become a nun. Her family and friends tried hard to change her mind and bring her home, but she would not be moved. She was deeply in love with God and wanted to live a holy life. Saint Francis recognized something special in Clare, and urged her to return to Assisi, and she and Saint Francis became close friends and spiritual associates. Clare became the founder of the Poor Clares, and lived 27 years beyond the death of Saint Francis. Deep humility, a deep commitment to poverty, and a deep longing for God marked her life. On Christmas Day, shortly before her death, Clare was sick and could not join her community and the friars in praying. She acknowledged her loneliness to God, and suddenly she began to hear the singing and praying of her sisters and the friars. She also had a vision of Jesus in the manger. Clare was able to see the rest of the service as she lay ill on her bed. . . . Because of this miracle, Clare has been named the patron saint of television! She is also the patron saint of women in childbirth and people suffering form eye diseases. Her feast day is celebrated on August 11. (Taken from "The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.")

Reflection

Imagine hearing a sermon from a man who preached that life was best spent not by enjoying material indulgences but by praying unceasingly and dedicating one's life to living among and serving the poor. Imagine this man asking you to live such a life. Would you be willing to sacrifice all the small and large comforts and luxuries that your life now allows? This would be a major sacrifice. Yet, this is exactly the sacrifice that Saint Clare of Assisi chose. She is an example to all of us that it is possible and often fulfilling to make sacrifices for others.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, are there any areas of my life where I could sacrifice more, and, in doing so, help others and grow closer to you?

Meditations

Meditation for Gospel

"If you had faith the size of a mustard seed..." A mustard seed? That does not seem like very much. If faith the size of a mustard seed is enough to move mountains, I must not have a lot of faith at all! Jesus does not want to make us feel bad - He wants to encourage us! Just as a tiny, little mustard seed contains all the potential to become a tall tree, so too do you have all the potential to become a saint - someone who knows and loves God deeply. A mustard seed may look small and insignificant, but inside, it has everything it needs to bear fruit one day. Today, think about all the gifts and talents you have, and how Jesus wants to use all of those things to bear fruit on earth.