Remembering St Jane Frances de Chantal

Today's Gospel from Matthew 17:22-27 begins with Jesus telling his disciples that he will be put to death but will rise again on the third day. This causes them great sadness. But then they return to Capernaum and are faced with the problems of daily life. The tax collectors ask Peter if Jesus is going to pay one of the many taxes that were demanded. Jesus and Peter come to the conclusion that he is exempt but then Jesus states what is the key teaching of the gospel. We will act ''so as not to offend people.'' or in other words so that we will not be an obstacle to the life journey of others. Providentially, today we remember a saint who removed obstacles from people's lives so that they could fulfil their dreams. St Jane Frances de Chantal was born in France in 1572. She married a rich nobleman and had 6 children. Her husband died in a hunting accident and when her children were grown up she devoted her life to God in a special way. She knew some women who wanted to enter religious orders but had been rejected because of age or health problems. With the help of St Francis de Sales she decided to invite them to join together but not to live in a monastery but rather to go out to visit sick, elderly and lonely people. Thus was born the order of the Visitation of Holy Mary. May Mary help us to follow St Jane's example of reaching out to people so that they may feel more fulfilled in their lives.