It was Clare’s conviction to defend that which she felt so strongly about that serves as a model for us today.
Prayer
“What you hold, may you always hold. What you do, may you always do and never abandon. But with swift pace, light step, and unswerving feet, so that even your steps stir up no dust, go forward, the spirit of our God has called you.” —from the Blessing of Saint Clare
Almighty God, you are glorified through the lives of your saints.
May this blessing of Clare to her sister serve as a reminder for us
to always act with conviction as Clare did when it comes to doing what
is right and worthy of our action.
May we praise you in all that we do.
Amen.
Reflection
This final line of Clare’s prayer (below), which calls us to go forward as we have been called by God, is perhaps the most important line. Saint Clare was definitely a woman of conviction and strength. From the moment that she left her home she was determined to steadfastly hold on to her desire to serve Christ. She held strong when her uncles tried to return her to the family home.
She held strong when Pope Honorius III approved a rule that would have allowed the sisters to hold property in common. And she fought to have her rule approved before her death. She made good her promise to Francis and, more importantly, to God.
It was her conviction to defend that which she felt so strongly about that serves as a model for us today. Certainly, the issues Clare faced are not the same as the ones we struggle with in 2022. But her determination to stand up for what she believed in serves as a powerful example and role model for us in our modern times.
Consider this…
- Reflect on a time when you were persistent about something you truly wanted or believed in. What lengths did you go to hold to your beliefs?
- Clare was no pushover. She knew exactly the life she wanted and she fought to have her rule approved. Reflect on her personal strength and resolve. How can you emulate it?
- Clare faced many challenges in living the life she wanted. Could you have been as bold as she was in fighting for her convictions?
In Clare’s Own Words
“What you hold may you always hold. What you do, may you always do and never abandon.”
