It is hard when we realize we need to change, but when we
look in our hearts sometimes, we can see things that are keeping us from the
changes we need to make in our lives, we see things that are keeping us from
God. So we hear the psalmist today say:
“A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast
me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me.” Asking God to create a clean heart in us is
not an easy thing to do, as it demands a great deal of humility and
introspection. Yet, it can be a brand
new beginning for us in our lives. It
can open up a whole new world for us.
Today we celebrate St Rose of Lima, the first person
canonized who was born in the Americas.
She was made a saint in 1671 by Pope Clement X. Rose was actually born in Lima, Peru in the
16th century, the same century as the Protestant Reformation, and
the same century that the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in the Americas. Rose’s parents experienced great financial
difficulties and wanted her to marry into a wealthy family, but she felt the
call to become a nun and to make a vow of perpetual virginity. Rose’s parents objected, so she stayed at
their home and became a member of the Third Order of St Dominic. Rose spent most of her time in prayer and in
solitude, but she later set up a room in her parents’ home where she took care
of the poor, the elderly, and homeless children. Rose died at the young age of 31, with many
of the prominent citizens of the city turning out for her funeral.
Rose knew in her heart where God was calling her in life,
but it took a lot of courage and fortitude for her to be able to follow that
call in her life. Rose was brought
to the attention of the authorities of the Spanish Inquisition, being
questioned by them. Today, many of the
faithful see Rose as a wonderful example of faith for us to follow. May the Lord create a clean heart within us,
may we hear the ways God is calling us in our lives.
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