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When Clare saw Francis preaching in the town square, certainly she was aware of people’s reactions to him. It would have been difficult not to have heard about Pietro Bernardone’s son who had renounced his family and embraced poverty.
St. Clare often referred to herself as the “little plant of St. Francis,” a fitting description of the impact she would have on the Church.
“I admonish and exhort all my sisters, both those present and those to come, to strive always to imitate the way of holy simplicity, humility,
“O most noble Queen, gaze upon Him, consider Him, contemplate Him, as you desire to imitate Him.” —Second letter to Agnes of Prague
Love was at the heart of everything St. Clare did. Her love for Christ was her purpose. Her love for St. Francis was her compass.
Sometimes it can be hard to be the first to do something. We hold back for any number of reasons. We might be afraid of making a mistake or of being ridiculed. After the first person takes the leap, though, we become more comfortable joining in.
At this point in our Lenten journey, we may be growing weary of the promises we made at the beginning of the season. In those moments, we must remember St. Clare’s determination.
