Naturally, every human person wants to live long in order to enjoy the dividend of his labours in peace and safety. This is in line with the law of self-preservation, which tells us to shy away from things which pose a threat to us. However, the teachings of Jesus demand renunciation and sacrifice. To those desiring to follow him, Jesus said they must renounce bodily pleasure, worldly achievements and must willingly embrace persecution, hardship, and suffering as he did. In addition, they must be ready to be put to death for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. This is no doubt a hard teaching (cf, John 6:60), but it is not impossible. St. Clare whom we celebrate today, successfully lived this life, renouncing pleasures, detaching from material wealth, and carried her cross to the end. We too can become the saints of tomorrow, if only we can make up our minds today to follow the lead of Jesus.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to denounce myself of all worldly pleasure so that I might be ready to embrace the precepts of eternal life. Amen