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When Clare entered San Damiano, she came into possession of the beautiful Byzantine cross before which Francis had prayed. Now it was her “book” of prayer, her silent reminder each day: “Take up your cross and follow me.”
Clare’s spiritual path calls for active love and only one who has entered into union with the crucified Spouse can become like the Spouse, crucified in love. The church, in Clare’s view, lives and grows when its members are active lovers not passive listeners.
Stop and think of yourself in Clare’s place. It’s difficult, isn’t it? That’s because we are all called to serve Christ in different ways.
St. Clare did not let chronic illness deter her from taking care of her fellow sisters who were ill, as well as some of Francis’ brothers in their times of need. Clare also cared for Francis near the end of his life.
There are few writings on Clare, compared to the volumes on Francis, and Clare herself left only a handful of writings. Of what remains we have four letters to Agnes of Prague, a Rule and a Blessing that are authentically Clare’s voice.
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.
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