Sunday, August 27 : Saint Clare

I give thanks to the Giver of grace from whom, we believe, “every good and perfect gift” proceeds (Jas 1:17), because he has adorned you with such splendors of virtue and signed you with such marks of perfection that, since you have become such a diligent imitator of the Father of all perfection, his eyes do not see any imperfection in you. This is the perfection which will prompt the King himself to take you to himself in glory on a starry throne because you have despised the splendors of an earthly kingdom and considered of little value the offers of an imperial marriage. Instead, as someone zealous for the holiest poverty, in the spirit of great humility and the most ardent charity, you have held fast to the footprints of him to whom you have merited to be joined as a spouse. But since I know that you are adorned with many virtues, I will spare my words and not weary you with needless speech, even though nothing seems needless to you if you can draw from it some consolation. But because “one thing alone is necessary” (Lk 10:42) I bear witness to that one thing and encourage you for love of him to whom you have offered yourself as a “holy and pleasing sacrifice” (Rm 12:1) that, like another Rachel, you always remember your resolution and be conscious of how you began. What you hold, may you always hold. What you do, may you always do and never abandon. But with swift pace, light step, and unswerving feet, so that even your steps stir up no dust, go forward securely, joyfully, and swiftly on the path of prudent happiness, believing nothing, agreeing with nothing which would dissuade you from this resolution or which would place a stumbling block for you on the way. Thus you may offer your vows to the Most High in the pursuit of that perfection to which the Spirit of the Lord has called you.

maronite readings – rosary,team