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Sciffi's daughter, Clare, is definitely in Heaven.
The
Catholic Church confirms that.
She was
born in Assisi in 1194, and died 59 years later on this date, August
11, in 1253.
She was
canonized a saint just three years after that—St Clare of Assisi.
She
heard the preaching of her fellow townsman, St Francis, and was
profoundly inspired.
At the
age of 18, she ran off to become a Benedictine nun.
She
eventually founded her own order, which later came to be called the
Poor Clares.
Poor,
because they took a vow of total poverty.
Not just
the individual members—the community itself could own nothing.
Clare
lived a life of poverty, service to others, and prayer.
Her
dedication and holiness won the admiration of popes, countrymen, and
St Francis himself.
She was
an inspiration to all who knew her or knew of her.
No
wonder the Church can be confident that she's in Heaven.
But how
great a rank does she hold in Heaven?
That's
the kind of question that was troubling the disciples in today's
Gospel passage.
Who's
the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?
Of
course they knew God would be the greatest.
But I
guess they figured they could edge each other out for the top human
spot.
Rank and
position in Heaven seems to me to be an all too worldly-human
concern.
I just
hope to get through the gate.
But even
our Church seems to encourage the idea of heavenly rank.
We have
greater and lesser commemorations for different saints.
St
Lawrence, yesterday, rated a feast.
St
Clare, today, rates an obligatory memorial.
And St
Jane Frances de Chantal, tomorrow, rates only an optional
memorial.
Maybe
that classifying isn't meant to reflect rank in Heaven.
But rank
in some worldly value, like greater likelihood to inspire us to
action.
Some of
Jesus's own words can be viewed as implying Heavenly rank.
He said
the first shall be last and the last shall be first.
He said
that places had been prepared for those who would sit at his right
and at his left.
Maybe he
was just using worldly images that we can grasp.
Or maybe
there really is a ranking.
We do
acknowledge Mary as Queen of Heaven.
But how
far does the ranking go?
How many
levels or spheres or rings does Heaven have?
Everyone
in Heaven is completely happy, filled to capacity with joy.
Yet, it
seems to make sense that those who serve better in this life deserve
a greater reward.
Maybe
those who serve better in this life build up a greater capacity
for heavenly joy.
No one
really knows how all this is structured.
We just
know that Heaven is more wonderful than we can ever imagine.
And we
know that we can never do enough to earn our way into Heaven.
Heaven
is pure, total gift from our loving, merciful God.
And it's
a gift that he wants every one of us to enjoy.
Like
that found sheep in today's Gospel.
God
doesn't want even one of us to miss out on receiving His gift.
So in
this life, the big question for each one of us is:
What
shall I give Him in return?
Tuesday 19th Week Ordinary Time
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