Clare, Courageous and Bold

I would like to share a short reflection on St. Clare from Franciscan Ministries. St. Clare is an important figure of Franciscan Spirituality and a model for all of us to follow. We hope to honor her in the parish with a mosaic soon, pictured below. You can help raise funds for the mosaic by participating in the Tea Party, for ladies 12 and up, hosted by our Women of St. Clare Bible Study on Saturday, July 18th. (Click here for details.)

– Fr. Lalo

CLARE, COURAGEOUS AND BOLD

The story: In 1240, Assisi was under attack by Saracen mercenaries crashing through the peaceful world of San Damiano as they scaled the walls of her vulnerable little convent. The invaders would have been right in her garden and on her doorstep when Clare — weak and ill — had herself carried to the door holding the sacred Eucharist, the presence of Christ. As the terror of these hostile forces arrived, Clare put herself between the invading soldiers and her beloved Sisters, put her trust in God and prayed.

The Saracens recognized a woman of God. They fled back over the garden walls and away from Assisi. Clare was faithful. Clare was courageous. Clare was bold.

Reflection: Clare held to her unshakeable faith and boldly stood true to her values amidst great adversity. How does her witness challenge us to embrace our own Franciscan countercultural values and stand alongside those who live in fear of violence or unjust persecution?

Clare’s faith didn’t erase the danger, but it gave her and her sisters courage to face it without despair. How does her example invite us to resist fear and protect what is sacred with nonviolence, prayer, and trust in God?

Shared by Franciscan Ministries