This passage from Matthew refers to forgiveness and to a form of correction which, if truly fraternal, does not look down on others, but quite the opposite.
Without forgetting that, just as we wish to be forgiven, we are called to do the same for our neighbour, giving them time to make amends.
Clare of Assisi loved to describe herself as «a little plant of the Seraphic Father Francis».
She was always a caring Mother and a great example to her daughters and sisters in the Monastery of St Damian.
Even when it was necessary to exhort or reprimand, she knew how to correct with the love and wisdom that came to her from on High.
The Sources attest (Rule of St Clare):
«The abbess shall admonish and visit her sisters and correct them with humility and charity, commanding them nothing that is contrary to their soul or to the form of our profession» (FF 2806).
And again, with a far-sighted and comprehensive vision, Clare herself continues:
«I admonish and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ all my sisters, both present and future, that they may always strive to imitate the way of holy simplicity, humility and poverty, and also the integrity of that holy life which was taught to us by our blessed Father Francis from the very beginning of our conversion to Christ» (FF 2845 – Testament).
«And loving one another in the love of Christ—that love which you have in your hearts—show it outwardly through your deeds, so that the sisters, inspired by this example, may always grow in the love of God and in mutual charity» (FF 2847 – Testament).
In the Rule, moreover:
“«The abbess should also endeavour to reconcile the sisters, should it ever happen that some of them, for whatever reason or occasion, should fall out with one another.
That sister, then, who by her words or gestures has given cause for offence or scandal to another, must immediately, before offering the gift of her prayer to God, ask forgiveness from the sister she has offended; she must humbly kneel before her and beg her to intercede for her before the Lord, that He may forgive the offence committed.
The other sister, mindful of the Lord’s words:
«If you do not forgive from the heart, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you», shall generously forgive the offence to the sister who asks for forgiveness»” (FF 3358).
Clare was, for all the sisters, a teacher of life, a mentor of true charity which always rebuilds, despite malicious actions.
«Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full» (Mt 18:26)
Thursday, 19th wk. in Ordinary Time (Mt 18:21–19:1)
