Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Clare, Virgin
Readings: Dt 34:1-12; PS 66:1-3a, 5 and 8, 16-17; Mt 18:15-20
Notes: Clare and Francis were Saints, hero saint.
I always must remind myself and others able to understand.
We give from our excess and we are pleased with ourselves.
Some give from their poverty and in that charity the finest gold.
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-clare-of-assisi
First reading
Moses was prevented from entering the Promised Land.
Scripture describes the reason.
But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron: Because you did not have confidence in me, to acknowledge my holiness before the Israelites, therefore you shall not lead this assembly into the land I have given them.
Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died,
yet his eyes were undimmed and his vigor unabated.
Moses was healthy enough to lead the people into the Promised Land and displace the occupiers.
The mission was given to Joshua.
Moses was given the gift of generosity and poverty:
- Calling and Anointing of Joshua to lead.
- Reading of the Law.
- The Law Placed in the Ark as gift.
- Song of Moses.
- Blessing of Moses.
Moses decreased as Joshua increased. Just as in John the Baptist and Jesus.
Moses found his poverty and his deepest prayers were answered.
Responsorial Psalm
Blessed be God who filled my soul with fire!
Alleluia Verse
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,
and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
Gospel Portion
Saint Clare is a wonderful example.
Moses is a wonderful example.
From our poverty is birth compassion.
Jesus describes the escalation process for disagreement and the authority of the Church to judge.
But it is ONLY in this poverty that these words of Jesus have power:
Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth
about anything for which they are to pray,
it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 