“Love God, serve God; everything is in that.”
—St. Clare
From a young age, St. Clare of Assisi was encouraged by the strong faith of her mother, Ortalana, to carry out God’s work, even before she joined Francis and the brothers. Clare ministered and cared for the less fortunate when she wouldn’t have been expected to do so. Being gifted with many goods due to her place in society, Clare realized she had more than enough. That embrace of simplicity perfectly aligned with the spirit of St. Francis, and she carried it with her when she went to San Damiano. Many of us are more than blessed with abundance. Are we willing to share it with others?
Gaze | Consider | Contemplate | Imitate
Interpreting Clare’s spirituality for our own time can help reset the human quest for identity, meaning, purpose, and life in Christ. Clare speaks to each of these with simplicity and profundity. She asks us to take time to reflect on our lives, not in a psychological, introspective way, but in the mirror of the cross. Her thought can be summarized by saying, “see what you are, become what you love.”
The one who follows Christ is to bring Christ to birth in one’s life, and in this way to become a coworker with God. Hers is a spirituality of witness to the risen Christ. If we are transformed in the mirror of Christ we are called to radiate and manifest this image in our own lives. For Clare, transformation of the human person is the movement toward fulfillment of creation because it is participation in the Body of Christ. Her spirituality helps us understand that God will not transform the world for us but then again God will not transform the world without us.
The poverty of God means that God has given everything to us in love. We are to choose that love, live in it and make it our own love. For the power of God’s love is in the fragility of our lives. –from Clare of Assisi: A Heart Full of Love
Prayer
St. Clare,
In your spirit, may we share what we have with those in need.
Stir in us the desire to think of others rather than only ourselves.
Amen.
10 thoughts on “Lent with St. Clare: First Friday”
A pray from a Saint – Stay with me Lord for you are my light and without you I am in darkness. Yes all we need is to honor G-d nothing else . Then comes understanding for life and the peace that only He -Blessed be His Holy name – can give.
G-d Bless.
Amen! Once again you provide us inspiration to ponder RL
Peace be with you!
Why the G.d ? It is confusing I’d rather see it GOD
For many people, to honor the name of God, they do not write the vowels. This is similar to Christians capitalizing He when referring to God. It is praiseworthy to show respect. God knows the intention of the heart.
My comment on the reflection today is that when I give up something at LENT I have usually not gone back to it. For instance, I gave up cable TV several years ago. The money that I save goes to the organization “Unbound” which helps people in poverty in 3rd world countries get an education. I am so proud of the girls that have jobs to support themselves because of my sacrifice.
How very admirable that you allowed God to touch your heart so deeply during the Lenten season Ruth!
This is exactly the way of St. Clare and something that aspires others to live like Christ!
That was a lovely message, and so true, that God notices everything, if we can live by sowing the mustard seeds of the Holy Spirit.
The one who follows Christ is to bring Christ to birth in one’s life, and in this way to become a coworker with God. Hers is a spirituality of witness to the risen Christ. If we are transformed in the mirror of Christ we are called to radiate and manifest this image in our own lives. For Clare, transformation of the human person is the movement toward fulfillment of creation because it is participation in the Body of Christ. Her spirituality helps us understand that God will not transform the world for us but then again God will not transform the world without us.
I love this portion today! Wow! We work as willing participants to transform the World with our Lord!
Reminds me of my favorite verse, this one was the one I chose to print on the back of my work i.d.’s
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
It helps to realize our good works done in faith can change the world!
Hi Ruth love your Lent action.
G-d Bless
AMEN
God’s Co-workers
Yes!!