Memorial of St. Clare Homily

1st Reading: Hab 1:12-2:4

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 9:8-13

Gospel: Mt 17:14-20

People say that miracles no longer exist. I believe that the problem that we face is not that of a lack of miracles, but that of a lack of faith. To think of all the miracles that could take place only if there was a little bit of faith. We have been given the gifts of the seven sacraments that come into our lives to bring an increase of faith. We have the opportunity to confess our sins and be forgiven. A little bit of faith inside of this sacrament could reform our lives greatly. At this Mass we come to be nourished by Christ and His Blood. A little bit of faith in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar could assist us greatly along our journey of faith.

Today we celebrate the memorial of Saint Clare who was a woman of great faith. She especially placed her faith in the Eucharist and allowed it to work miracles within her own life. She is often depicted holding a monstrance because of her faith that was placed in the Blessed Sacrament. It is said that the army of Fredrick II set out to overtake the city of Assisi. Saint Clare instructed her sisters to bring her the Eucharist. They then brought her the monstrance and she held it before her with great faith and was able to overcome the army that was coming to take the city.

Nothing will be impossible for us if we place all of our faith in Jesus Christ. We cannot only hand over a little bit to Him, but we must hand over everything. When we withhold anything from the Father we are not being open to letting Him enter totally into our lives. May we allow the Lord to enter into our hearts and souls today and come to bring us an increase of faith. As we spend our days working for this increase we are keeping are eyes open to the Lord for whom we seek. With great faith we are asking Him to enter our lives and to give us assistance along our journey of faith.