Written by Sr. Rosemary Finnegan, O.P.
Readings from: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081120.cfm
A recent news story from New Jersey shared some heartwarming acts of kindness that children have done during this pandemic time.
- Dominic didn’t want any presents for his 12th birthday but asked instead for food for the local soup kitchen because he heard of so many people in need. Others heard about his wish and in the end, the largest donation of food made in years was given to the Spirit and Truth Ministries. Dominic was thrilled.
- 9-year-old Layla learned to play her music teacher’s favorite song “Don’t Stop Believing” and performed it for him to cheer him up. He said that meant more to him than any gift he ever unwrapped. Layla shared she only wants to make people happy during this pandemic.
After hearing just these two of the many stories of the kindness of children’s hearts, is it any wonder that Jesus told us that children are the standard for who will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Think of a special child in your life, the unique qualities they have, and why they mean so much to you: is it their curiosity? Innocence? Creativity? Empathy? Humility? Spirituality? Unconditional love for you? All these and more are the positive qualities Jesus is asking us to cultivate in our lives. And today, a beautiful child named Alex, who just received her First Communion, is in our midst as a witness to us of Jesus’ words: “Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” As C.S. Lewis said: “Christ wants a child’s heart, but a grown-up’s head.”
St. Clare of Assisi had both a child’s heart and a grown up’s head. She was born in 1193 into a rich and influential family. To the disappointment of her family and friends, Clare gave up her riches after being inspired by St. Francis when he preached at a local church. She then begged him to help her live a humble religious life. When she was 19, she ran away to St. Francis’ chapel, cut off her hair, donned simple clothing and vowed herself to the service of Jesus. Francis placed her in a Benedictine convent. Soon her sister Agnes and others joined her. Together they then lived under the Rule of St. Francis at San Damiano Convent in Assisi, and when she was 21, Francis appointed her as Abbess, the office she held until her death. Clare and these women became the first community known worldwide now as the Poor Clares. Under Clare’s wise leadership, the community lived austerely, fasted, wore nothing on their feet, and spoke only when necessary. Although she never left the convent for 41 years, she lived the radical faithfulness of the gospel message by her humility, spirituality and service to the Sisters.
As we thank St. Clare today for witnessing the heart of a child and the head of a grown up, and as we pray for all children returning to school, their parents and administrators, may we also remember the wise words St. Clare left us:
“We become what we love, And who we love shapes what we become.”
