Memorial
of Saint Clare, Virgin
Lectionary:
414
Reading 1
The
Lord GOD said to me:
As for you, son of man, obey me when I speak to you:
be not rebellious like this house of rebellion,
but open your mouth and eat what I shall give you.
It
was then I saw a hand stretched out to me,
in which was a written scroll which he unrolled before me.
It was covered with writing front and back,
and written on it was:
Lamentation and wailing and woe!
He
said to me: Son of man, eat what is before you;
eat this scroll, then go, speak to the house of Israel.
So I opened my mouth and he gave me the scroll to eat.
Son of man, he then said to me,
feed your belly and fill your stomach
with this scroll I am giving you.
I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.
He said: Son of man, go now to the house of Israel,
and speak my words to them.
Responsorial Psalm
PS 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111,
131
R.
(103a) How sweet to my taste is your promise!
In the way of your decrees I rejoice,
as much as in all riches.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
Yes, your decrees are my delight;
they are my counselors.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
The law of your mouth is to me more precious
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
How sweet to my palate are your promises,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
Your decrees are my inheritance forever;
the joy of my heart they are.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
I gasp with open mouth,
in my yearning for your commands.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
Alleluia
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
The
disciples approached Jesus and said,
“Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”
He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said,
“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children,
you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.
Whoever becomes humble like this child
is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.
And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
“See
that you do not despise one of these little ones,
for I say to you that their angels in heaven
always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.
What is your opinion?
If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray,
will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills
and go in search of the stray?
And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it
than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.
In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father
that one of these little ones be lost."
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081120.cfm
Meditation: Who
Is the Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven
Are
you surprised to see the disciples discussing with Jesus who is the greatest?
Don't we do the same thing? The appetite for glory and greatness seems to be
inbred in us. Who doesn't cherish the ambition to be "somebody" whom
others admire rather than a "nobody"? Even the Psalms speak about the
glory God has destined for us. You have made them a little lower than
God, and crowned them with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5).
Whose glory do you seek?
Jesus made a dramatic gesture by placing a child next to himself to show his
disciples who really is the greatest in the kingdom of God. What can a little
child possibly teach us about greatness? Children in the ancient world had no
rights, position, or privileges of their own. They were socially at the
"bottom of the rung" and at the service of their parents, much like
the household staff and domestic servants. What is the significance of Jesus'
gesture? Jesus elevated a little child in the presence of his disciples by
placing the child in a privileged position of honor at his right side. It is
customary, even today, to seat the guest of honor at the right side of the
host.
The lowly of heart empty themselves of pride
Who is the greatest in God's kingdom? The one who is humble and lowly of heart
- who instead of asserting their rights willingly empty themselves of pride and
self-seeking glory by taking the lowly position of a servant and child before
God. The simple of heart know that they belong to God - he is their father,
teacher, and provider - the one who shows them the way of peace, joy, and life
everlasting. They are content to recognize their total dependence on God who is
the source of all goodness and every good gift.
Jesus restores us to the people he has made holy
What does Jesus' story about a lost sheep tell us about God and his kingdom?
Shepherds normally counted their sheep at the end of the day to make sure all
were accounted for. Since sheep by their very nature are very social, an
isolated sheep can quickly become bewildered and even neurotic. The shepherd's
grief and anxiety is turned to joy when he finds the lost sheep and restores it
to the fold. What was new in Jesus' teaching was the insistence that sinners
must be sought out and not merely mourned for. God does not rejoice in the loss
of anyone, but desires that all be saved and restored to fellowship with him.
That is why the whole community of heaven rejoices when one sinner is found and
restored to fellowship with God (Luke 15:7). Seekers of the lost are much
needed today. Do you pray and seek after those you know who have lost their way
to God?
Lord
Jesus, teach me your way of humility and simplicity of heart that I may find
perfect joy in you. May your light shine through me that others may see your
truth and love and find hope and peace in you.
Daily
Quote from the Early Church Fathers: What it means to become a child a God,
by Epiphanius the Latin (late 5th century)
"Here
the Lord not only repressed the apostles' thoughts but also checked the
ambition of believers throughout the whole world, so that he might be great who
wanted to be least. For with this purpose Jesus used the example of the child,
that what he had been through his nature, we through our holy living might
become - innocent, like children innocent of every sin. For a child does not
know how to hold resentment or to grow angry. He does not know how to repay
evil for evil. He does not think base thoughts. He does not commit adultery or
arson or murder. He is utterly ignorant of theft or brawling or all the things
that will draw him to sin. He does not know how to disparage, how to blaspheme,
how to hurt, how to lie. He believes what he hears. What he is ordered he does
not analyze. He loves his parents with full affection. Therefore what children
are in their simplicity, let us become through a holy way of life, as children
innocent of sin. And quite rightly, one who has become a child innocent of sin
in this way is greater in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives such a
person will receive Christ." (excerpt from INTERPRETATION OF
THE GOSPELS 27)
https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2020&date=aug11
TUESDAY,
AUGUST 11, MATTHEW 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
Memorial of Saint Clare, virgin
(Ezekiel 2:8--3:4; Psalm: 119)
KEY VERSE: "Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (v. 4).
TO KNOW: When one of Jesus' disciples asked him who was the greatest in God's reign, he answered with a living parable. He placed a small child in their midst to demonstrate that membership in God's kingdom was not measured by social status or power. The child represented those who trusted God for their needs in the way children depend upon their parents. Jesus' admonished his followers not to despise the insignificant members of the community as being unimportant. The angels in heaven intercede on behalf of God's little ones who are like lost sheep with no means to protect themselves. Jesus cautioned his disciples to be good shepherds who would watch over their flocks and guard them from every evil.
TO LOVE: Do I stand up for the rights of helpless children?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to come to you with childlike confidence.
Memorial of Saint Clare, virgin
Clare was the eldest daughter of Favorino Scifi, a wealthy member of an ancient Roman family. From her earliest years Clare was devoted to prayer and to practices of mortification, and as she passed into girlhood her yearning for a more spiritual life increased. She was eighteen years of age when Saint Francis came to preach in the church of San Giorgio at Assisi. Francis kindled a flame in the heart of Clare, and she begged him to help her live "after the manner of the holy Gospel". By Francis's advice, Clare secretly left her father's house, and, accompanied by her aunt Bianca and another companion, proceeded to the chapel of the Porziuncula, where Francis and his disciples met her. Clare then laid aside her rich dress, and Francis cut off her hair and clothed her in a rough tunic and a thick veil, and in this way she vowed herself to the service of Jesus Christ. Eventually, Clare founded the Order of Poor Ladies (Poor Clares) at San Damiano, and led it for 40 years. Clare's mother and sisters later joined the order, and today there are thousands of members living lives of prayer in silence.
http://www.togetherwithgodsword.com/commentaries-on-the-daily-gospel-of-the-mass.html
Tuesday 11 August 2020
St
Clare
Ezekiel
2:8 – 3:4. How sweet to my taste is your promise – Psalm 118(119):14, 24, 72,
103, 111, 131. Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14.
Anyone
who welcomes a little child in my name welcomes me
‘.
. . as little as this little child’. How are we to become as little as a little
child?
What
would that look like? Perhaps a word that captures such a character is
‘responsive’. The ideal child responds to God’s presence in his or her life,
and responds to the present moment in the world.
Rather
than mulling over the troubles of the past, or scheming about the future, the
child is open to the kingdom of God right here and now.
This
need not be a passive acceptance; the child responds without thinking too hard
about it – reaching out to the one before worrying about the 99. To be little
might seem to be naive or impulsive, but some of the wisest sages have had
these qualities. Let us pray for the gift of ‘littleness’ today.
http://www.pray.com.au/gospel_reflection/tuesday-11-august-2020/
Saint Clare
of Assisi
Saint
of the Day for August 11
(July
16, 1194 – August 11, 1253)
Saint Clare | original painting for the Poor Clares in Cincinnati, OH
Saint
Clare of Assisi’s Story
One
of the more sugary movies made about Francis of Assisi pictures Clare as a
golden-haired beauty floating through sun-drenched fields, a sort of one-woman
counterpart to the new Franciscan Order.
The
beginning of her religious life was indeed movie material. Having refused to
marry at 15, Clare was moved by the dynamic preaching of Francis. He became her
lifelong friend and spiritual guide.
At
18, Clare escaped from her father’s home one night, was met on the road by
friars carrying torches, and in the poor little chapel called the Portiuncula
received a rough woolen habit, exchanged her jeweled belt for a common rope
with knots in it, and sacrificed her long tresses to Francis’ scissors. He
placed her in a Benedictine convent, which her father and uncles immediately
stormed in rage. Clare clung to the altar of the church, threw aside her veil
to show her cropped hair, and remained adamant.
Sixteen
days later her sister Agnes joined her. Others came. They lived a simple life
of great poverty, austerity, and complete seclusion from the world, according
to a Rule which Francis gave them as a Second Order. At age 21, Francis obliged
Clare under obedience to accept the office of abbess, one she exercised until
her death.
The
Poor Ladies went barefoot, slept on the ground, ate no meat, and observed
almost complete silence. Later Clare, like Francis, persuaded her sisters to
moderate this rigor: “Our bodies are not made of brass.” The greatest emphasis,
of course, was on gospel poverty. They possessed no property, even in common,
subsisting on daily contributions. When even the pope tried to persuade Clare
to mitigate this practice, she showed her characteristic firmness: “I need to
be absolved from my sins, but I do not wish to be absolved from the obligation
of following Jesus Christ.”
Contemporary
accounts glow with admiration of Clare’s life in the convent of San Damiano in
Assisi. She served the sick and washed the feet of the begging nuns. She came
from prayer, it was said, with her face so shining it dazzled those about her.
She suffered serious illness for the last 27 years of her life. Her influence
was such that popes, cardinals, and bishops often came to consult her—Clare
herself never left the walls of San Damiano.
Francis
always remained her great friend and inspiration. Clare was always obedient to
his will and to the great ideal of gospel life which he was making real.
A
well-known story concerns her prayer and trust. Clare had the Blessed Sacrament
placed on the walls of the convent when it faced attack by invading Saracens.
“Does it please you, O God, to deliver into the hands of these beasts the
defenseless children I have nourished with your love? I beseech you, dear Lord,
protect these whom I am now unable to protect.” To her sisters she said, “Don’t
be afraid. Trust in Jesus.” The Saracens fled.
Reflection
The
41 years of Clare’s religious life are scenarios of sanctity: an indomitable
resolve to lead the simple, literal gospel life as Francis taught her;
courageous resistance to the ever-present pressure to dilute the ideal; a
passion for poverty and humility; an ardent life of prayer; and a generous
concern for her sisters.
Saint
Clare is the Patron Saint of:
Eye
disorders
Television
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-clare-of-assisi/
Lectio
Divina: Matthew 18:1-5,10,12-14
Lectio
Divina
Tuesday,
August 11, 2020
Ordinary Time
1)
Opening prayer
Almighty
and ever-living God,
Your Spirit made us Your children,
confident to call You Father.
Increase Your Spirit within us
and bring us to our promised inheritance.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2)
Gospel Reading - Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
The
disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of
heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I
say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the
Kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in
the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name
receives me. “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say
to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly
Father. What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes
astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the
stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than
over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the
will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”
3)
Reflection
•
Here, in Chapter 18 of the Gospel of Matthew begins the fourth great discourse
on the New Law, the discourse on the community. As has already been said before
(on Monday of the 10th week of the year), the Gospel of Matthew, written for
the communities of the Christian Jews of Galilee and Syria, presents Jesus as
the new Moses. In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses was codified in the five
books of the Pentateuch. Imitating the ancient model, Matthew represents the
New Law in five great discourses: (a) The Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:1-7, 29);
(b) the discourse on the mission (Mt 10:1-42); (c) The discourse on the
parables (Mt 13:1-52); (d) The discourse on the community (Mt 18:1-35); (e) The
discourse on the future of the Kingdom (Mt 24:1-25,46). The narrative parts
which are inserted among the five discourses describe the practice of Jesus and
show how He practiced and embodied the New Law in His life.
• The Gospel today gives the first part of the discourse on the community (Mt
18:1-14) which has as key word “the little ones”. The little ones are not only
the children, but also the poor, those who are not important in society and in
the community, and also the children. Jesus asks that these “little ones”
should always be the center of the concern of the communities because “The
Father in Heaven does not will that one of these little ones should be lost”
(Mt 18:14).
• Matthew 18:1: The question of the disciples which provokes the teaching of
Jesus. The disciples want to know who is greater in the Kingdom. The simple
fact of this question reveals that they have not understood anything or very
little of the message of Jesus. The whole discourse on the community is given
in order to make them understand that among the followers of Jesus the spirit
of service should prevail, the gift of self, of pardon, of reconciliation and
of gratuitous love, without seeking one’s own interest and one’s own
advancement.
• Matthew 18:2-5: The fundamental criterion: the little one and the greater
one. The disciples ask for a criteria so as to be able to measure the
importance of the people in the community: “Who is the greater in the Kingdom
of Heaven?” Jesus answers that it is the little ones! The little ones are not
socially important; they do not belong to the world of the powerful. The
disciples have to become children. Instead of growing up, to the heights, they
must grow down and toward the periphery, where the poor and the little ones
live. In this way, they will be greater in the Kingdom! The reason is the
following: “Anyone who receives one of these little ones receives Me”. Jesus
identifies Himself with them. The love of Jesus for the little ones cannot be
explained. Children have no merit. It is the complete gratuity of the love of
God which manifests itself and asks to be imitated in the community of those
who call themselves disciples of Jesus.
• Matthew 18:6-9: Do not scandalize the little ones. These four verses
concerning the scandal to little ones are omitted from today’s Gospel. We give
a brief commentary on them. To scandalize the little ones means this: to be the
cause for them to lose their faith in God and to abandon the community. Matthew
keeps a very hard saying of Jesus: “Anyone who scandalizes even one of these
little ones who believe in Me, it would be better for him to have a mill stone
tied around his neck and then be thrown into the sea”. It is a sign that at
that time many little ones no longer identified themselves with the community
and sought another refuge. And today, in Latin America, for example, every year
approximately three million people abandon the historical Church and go to the
Evangelical churches. This is a sign that they do not feel at home among us.
What is lacking in us? What is the cause of this scandal to the little ones? In
order to avoid the scandal, Jesus orders them to cut off their foot or take out
their eye. This sentence cannot be taken literally. It means that we should be
very firm, strict in fighting against any scandal which draws the little ones
away. We cannot, in any way, allow that the little ones feel marginalized in
our community, because in this case, the community would not be a sign of the
Kingdom of God.
• Matthew 18:10-11: The angels of the little ones see the face of the Father.
Jesus recalls Psalm 91. The little ones take Yahweh as their refuge and make
the most High their fortress (Ps 91:9) and because of this, “No disaster can
overtake you, no plague come near your tent; He has given angels orders about
you to guard you wherever you go. They will carry you in their arms in case you
trip over a stone” (Ps 91:10,12).
• Matthew 18:12-14: The parable of the one hundred sheep. According to Luke,
this parable reveals the joy of God on the conversion of a sinner (Lk 15: 3-7).
According to Matthew, it reveals that the Father does not want even one of the
little ones to be lost. In other words, the little ones should be the pastoral
priority of the community, of the Church. They should be in the center of the
concern of all. Love for the little ones and the excluded should be the axis of
the community of those who want to follow Jesus, because it is in this way that
the community becomes the proof of the gratuitous love of God, who accepts all.
4)
Personal questions
•
Who are the poorest people of our neighborhood? Do they participate in our
community? Do they feel at home or do they find in us a cause to withdraw?
• God the Father does not want any of the little ones to get lost. What does
this mean for our community?
• Should the pastor of a community spend his time on the “little ones” in the
community, the poor and neglected, or on the rich who might be able to provide
for the economics of the community? Is there a balance, or is “balance” just
another word for compromise – a compromise on Jesus’ instructions? Does your answer
also apply to members of the community as well?
• Many who leave the Church do so because of disagreement over teachings, such
as the Church’s stand on abortion or remarriage. Some believe that there is no
such thing as sin. How could, or should, the community bring these “lost sheep”
back, without sacrificing the truth?
5)
Concluding Prayer
Your
instructions are my eternal heritage,
they are the joy of my heart.
I devote myself to obeying Your statutes,
their recompense is eternal. (Ps 119:111-112)
https://ocarm.org/en/content/lectio/lectio-divina-matthew-181-51012-14
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