“Live and hope in the Lord, and let your service be according to reason.”
—St. Clare
Palm Sunday marks a profound moment in Clare’s life. It is on this day that, in the middle of the night and with the help of others, she left behind the life that she had known. Earlier that day, during Palm Sunday Mass, she found herself remaining seated when it was time to receive the palm.
The bishop, noticing her sitting there, came down from the altar and placed the palm in her hand. Why she remained seated is known only to her. Perhaps she was focused on and anticipating her upcoming journey and entrance into a new life.
Gaze | Consider | Contemplate | Imitate
Clare’s choice, following the advice of Francis, was an entirely spiritual one. The moment of decision on that Palm Sunday, from which all the rest flowed, is one of maximum interest. From then on, Clare set herself as a poor woman to follow the poor Christ on the road of the Cross. Her renunciation of her wealthy clothes, her self-despoiling as her passage to the following of Christ who had nothing but the Cross, all had a powerful spiritual significance.
This profoundly spiritual choice had at the same time, however, some deeply human consequences, both personal and social. Clare left her home and with that also left the family’s projected plans in her regard. She definitively renounced the option for marriage. Above all she, the noblewoman, assumed the condition of a servant. Hers was indeed a change of heart but also a change of status. —from Saint Clare: Beyond the Legend
Prayer
St. Clare,
The feelings you must have had on that Palm Sunday
knowing what was to come.
May we have such strength of character
when we are faced with changes in our lives—big or small.
Amen.
10 thoughts on “Lent with St. Clare: Palm Sunday”
It is an irony these days that generally human beings prefer material pursuits to spiritual ones and those who follow spiritual path too indulge in material opulence forgetting the Cross of Christ
Thank you for increasing my faith!
I wish that I could understand the words on this site through Lent, but they are so complicated and convoluted. I feel that they are deliberately aimed at only the well educated.
????Prayers and Thank you’s go up for all who were a part of the program sharing St. Clare’s life and times with us!
Since today is day 40 passing up the chance to say that first, lest I forget later in the day ,seemed quite important.
Palm Sunday does seem like the right day for St Clare to be moved forward in her own journey with definitive action.
Perhaps on this day St. Clare would also be the saint to pray to for those needing to begin a new Spiritual journey?
To Michael: Perhaps you would find useful THE WORD AMONG US. ( Catholic Mass Readings and Daily Meditations) You could read the Lesson and the Gospel each day and the Meditation which explains everything. In addition, there are stories which people tell showing how God has been with them either as they face hard times or search to know Jesus better, the Savior of the World. I’m sure you could find this information on line and also help at the Franciscan website.
What a wonderful suggestion! We love The Word Among Us and follow the readings while watching the daily Mass on EWTN.
Michael
Many hugs & prayers ????????!
Whatever you understand is enough for God. He knows & loves you so much!
I suppose living simpler could also include using more basic language. Thank you fir sharing this.
Take care & God Bless You immensely ✝️????????.
For Michael, and others that are open always being challenged:
Keep looking up what is unknown! Never stop learning!
For Michael,
Know God loves you its that simple.
The Mist of Mercy: Spiritual Warfare and Purgatory
by Anne, ARK
Part One: Spiritual Warfare
by Anne, ARK
God’s Forgiveness
I have had the smallest experience of both Purgatory and Heaven. Both places are filled with repentant sinners so we will fit right in, as long as we admit we’re not perfect, say we’re sorry for our sins and allow God to heal us. God has a short memory when it comes to our mistakes and a long memory when it comes to any cooperation we give to him.
If I were to meet someone who was concerned about his past sins, I would advise that person to read the section of Volume Four entitled God Speaks to Sinners. I would also advise that person to acquaint himself with the mission of St. Faustina and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. These things will comfort a person.
But there is nothing to worry about because the truth of the matter is simple.
God forgives.
directionforourtimes.org
Clara was a beautiful flower whose sweet fragrance was Jesus’ love expressed through her life.