«I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children» (Mt 11:25).
This Sunday in Ordinary Time focuses our attention on a fundamental theme.
Jesus is the only one who can truly call the Lord of heaven and earth ‘Father’, yet through this intimacy he brings everyone into his presence.
Chiara, a young shoot of her blessed father Francis, through her special gift of simplicity and smallness, had attained, by Grace, such great intimacy with the Lord that she moved in total harmony with Him.
Consulting the Sources, in the Legend we read of the degree of intimate union between the Saint and her divine Spouse.
‘How much strength and support she received in the furnace of fervent prayer, and how sweet divine goodness was to her in that experience, is borne out by clear evidence.
For whenever she returned from the joy of holy prayer, she brought back from the fire of the Lord’s altar words so fervent that they set the sisters’ hearts ablaze.
Indeed, they observed with admiration that a certain sweetness radiated from her face and that her countenance seemed brighter than usual” (FF 3199).
In a letter to Ermentrude of Bruges*, she advises:
«Always be attentive and vigilant in prayer. Bring to completion the good you have begun, and fulfil the mystery you have embraced in holy poverty and sincere humility» (FF 2916).
Such was Clare, a simple and humble soul, capable of rejoicing in every gift received, in every tiny reality that spoke to her of the Eternal One.
“She welcomed with great joy the scraps of alms, the bits of bread that the alms-seekers brought back; and, almost saddened by whole loaves, she was happy instead with those little pieces” (FF 3188).
A woman conformed to Christ in every way, she considered herself nothing before God.
In her Testament, she exhorted the sisters to meekness and humility of heart, like a loving Mother:
«I also beg the one who will be in charge of the sisters to endeavour to lead the others more by the virtues and holiness of her life than by her position, so that, inspired by her example, the sisters may obey her, not so much because of the office she holds, but out of love.
May she, moreover, be caring and discreet towards her sisters, like a good mother towards her daughters […]
May she also be so affable and approachable to all that the sisters may confidently share their needs with her and turn to her at any time with trust […]» (FF 2848).
Meekness and humility: the stature of the little ones, to whom the Mysteries of the Kingdom are revealed, finding consolation in loving with the sentiments of Christ.
*Ermentrude of Bruges: she was responsible for the spread of the Order of St Clare in Flanders.
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, year A (Mt 11:25–30)
