A saint for TV, a saint for today

It was Christmas Eve and she was too sick to go to Mass. So, Mass came to her, broadcast live on a wall of her room.

That might not sound that extraordinary, but this was 800 years ago. And the woman was St. Clare of Assisi, whose feast day is today.

There is much we cannot easily enjoy during this pandemic. We could start making a list of all we feel we are missing out on, and we would be here for a while. But even if we can’t attend Mass, the liturgy comes straight to us, live or recorded, from churches that might be down the street or on the other side of an ocean.

It’s one of the most wonderful gifts of this time, the fact that technology allows us to stay connected to our faith in this way even if we aren’t able to get to Mass or don’t feel comfortable attending yet.

My children—who reject virtual field trips and virtual parties—are quick to remind me that online experiences are not the same as real-life experiences, and they’re right. When we watch Mass on TV or the computer we can’t receive the Eucharist. But we can participate fully in the liturgy. What a gift it is, though, that we can hear the Word of God proclaimed and see the Body and Blood of Christ consecrated and pray with people across time and space.

Somehow I have a feeling that St. Clare would appreciate that today’s technology makes her miracle possible for everyone all the time. And I imagine she would also appreciate that she’s the patron of television, something that didn’t even exist during her lifetime.

Clare lived such a simple life, cutting her hair and joining St. Francis of Assisi as one of his most ardent followers. She is remembered for starting her own order, the Order of Poor Ladies, who are more commonly called the Poor Clares. She loved the Blessed Sacrament deeply, and she was devoted to prayer.

“Our labor here is brief, but the reward is eternal,” Clare is quoted as saying. Did I mention she’s also the patron of laundry? Today let us labor, even in the most basic tasks, knowing that our future reward is much greater even than piles of clean clothes.

As we remember St. Clare, whose feast day is today, Aug. 11, maybe we can remember her joy at seeing the Mass from her sickbed. And maybe we can enjoy a little TV or even an eclair (an e-Clare!) in her honor.

St. Clare, pray for us!

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