Memorial of Saint Clare

Humble Love and Trust in God’s Plan: Following Jesus and St. Clare

In today’s Gospel from Matthew 17:22-27, Jesus makes a profound revelation to His disciples: He tells them plainly that the Son of Man will be handed over, killed, and on the third day be raised to life. This is the second time Jesus speaks of His Passion, and once again, the disciples are deeply distressed. They mourn because they cannot yet see the full picture of God’s saving plan. They are focused on the suffering rather than the glory to come.

Following this moment, we hear a seemingly unrelated story about the temple tax. The collectors ask Peter if Jesus pays the tax, and Peter replies ‘Yes,’ perhaps without fully understanding. When Peter enters the house, Jesus anticipates the discussion. He teaches using the example of royal families: kings do not tax their own children, only others. In the same way, as the Son of God, Jesus is exempt from paying the temple tax, yet He chooses to pay it—not because He must, but to avoid giving offense.

This small but significant moment teaches us about humility and freedom. Jesus does not cling to His rights; He does not demand exemptions or privileges. Even though He is God’s own Son, He willingly humbles Himself for the sake of others. This is a message that touches the very heart of the Gospel: divine humility expressed in human action.

Today also marks the Memorial of St. Clare of Assisi, a woman who embodied that same spirit of humility and freedom in a remarkable way. St. Clare, inspired by the example of her friend and spiritual brother St. Francis, renounced her wealth and noble status to live a life of radical poverty, prayer, and devotion to Christ. She found true freedom not in possessions or status, but in surrendering to God’s will and serving Him in simplicity and love.

St. Clare’s life echoes the message of today’s Gospel. Like Jesus, she was free, but she chose the humble path for the sake of love. She had nothing of material value, yet she possessed a radiant light that still shines through the Church today. She reminds us that the greatest freedom comes from letting go of ourselves and living entirely for God.

As we reflect on Jesus’ words and actions, and the witness of St. Clare, we are invited to examine our own hearts. Are we willing to set aside ego, rights, and entitlement for the sake of others? Are we open to embracing humility as the path to holiness?

Let us ask St. Clare to intercede for us, that we may follow Jesus more closely, trust God’s plan more deeply, and live with the kind of love that transforms the world—one humble act at a time.