Chapter twenty-five of the Gospel of Matthew begins with the parable of the wise and foolish virgins.

The former procure oil for their lamps whilst awaiting the Bridegroom, whilst the latter fail to do so, thereby excluding themselves from the wedding feast.

In the Sources, our thoughts turn to the virgin Clare, whose very name bore inscribed her personal calling and mission.

Both in the canonisation process and in the papal bull proclaiming her sainthood, Clare of Assisi is clearly portrayed as a wise and watchful virgin, the very one spoken of in the Gospel.

In the Sources:

“This was the sublime candelabrum of holiness, which shines brightly in the Lord’s tabernacle: drawn by its great splendour, many flocked to it—and still flock to it—to kindle their lamps by that light.

She, indeed, planted in the field of faith and cultivated the vineyard of poverty, from which rich and abundant fruits of salvation are gathered.

She, within the territory of the Church, cultivated the garden of humility, adorned with every kind of poverty, in which every virtue flourishes in abundance” (Bull of Canonisation, Clara Claris praeclara, FF 3295).

And again:

“Moreover, she was assiduous in her vigils and devoted to prayer; it was in this, above all, that she spent the greater part of her day and night” (FF 3300).

And, marvellously, in her Blessing, Clare addresses her present and future sisters:

«Always love God and your own souls and all your sisters, and always be careful to observe what you have promised to the Lord» (FF 2857).

She was truly the virgin never lacking in the oil of Love and watchful Faith.

Through her radiant life, Clare laid bare for everyone the straightforward and generous, prudent and attentive path of the virgin who awaits her Bridegroom with her lamp burning day and night, always ready to welcome the Lord.

«Here comes the Bridegroom! Go out to meet him!»  (Mt 25:6)

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (year A)  (Mt 25:1–13)