St. Clare of Assisi: Embracing the Call to Deny, Follow, and Find Life
August 11, 2023, Memorial of Saint Clare, Virgin, Gyaviira Luwaga, Kawuku, Bunga, Catholic Extension, US Catholic magazine, CatholicTV, Catholic-Link, St.Clare
Matthew 16:24–28
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”
Daily Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
The path to emulating Your divine example beckons us to release our cherished attachments and dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to Your divine Will. To embark on this transformative journey, we must stand prepared to offer our very lives in service of Your mercy, opening the gates to embrace the boundless love found in Christ — a love that supersedes the transient allure of this earthly realm.
Yet, in our earthly sojourn, we often find ourselves entangled in worldly snares, clinging to material possessions and temporal desires. Teach us, O Lord, to humbly surrender these worldly bonds to Your sovereign care, recognizing that the ultimate and enduring peace resides only in Your benevolent embrace.
As we traverse this intricate tapestry of existence, instill within us the presence of the Holy Spirit, a divine companion that fortifies our resolve. Grant us the courage to stand unwavering, resolute in our devotion to carrying out Your divine purpose. Our human nature is frail, burdened by the weight of trials and tribulations, yet with Your divine guidance, we find the strength to persevere.
We beseech You, through the intercession of Your beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, to grant us the grace to walk this transformative path, forsaking the ephemeral and embracing the eternal. May our hearts become beacons of unwavering faith and vessels of Your divine love, reflecting the radiant light of Christ’s example.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our guiding light and Saviour, we humbly offer this prayer. Amen
Encountering Christ:
The life of St. Clare of Assisi is a testament to the transformative power of self-sacrifice, unwavering faith, and the profound calling to follow Christ’s example. From her early years to her founding of the Order of Poor Clares, St. Clare’s journey exemplifies the essence of Matthew 16:24–28 — a call to deny oneself, take up the cross, and ultimately find life through Christ. This reflection delves into St. Clare’s birth, her formative years, her decision to join St. Francis of Assisi, her life at the convent, and her founding of the Sisters of the Poor Clares. We’ll then explore how St. Clare’s ministry resonates with today’s Gospel reflection, illuminating its timeless message.
Birth and Formative Years:
St. Clare was born in Assisi, Italy, in 1194 to a noble family. From an early age, she displayed a deep sense of piety and devotion to Christ. Her heart was attuned to the plight of the poor and marginalized, a characteristic that would shape her life’s trajectory. Despite her privileged upbringing, Clare’s heart was drawn to a higher calling — a longing to emulate Christ’s life of humility and selflessness.
Joining St. Francis of Assisi:
At the age of 18, St. Clare encountered St. Francis of Assisi, a man whose radical devotion to Christ and Gospel values deeply resonated with her. Inspired by his teachings and way of life, Clare made the courageous decision to leave behind her family, social status, and worldly possessions, choosing instead to embrace a life of poverty, humility, and service. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her transformative journey toward spiritual enlightenment.
Life at the Convent:
St. Clare’s dedication to Christ led her to establish the Order of Poor Ladies (later known as the Order of Poor Clares) alongside St. Francis. She envisioned a life characterized by radical poverty, prayer, and service to the poor. St. Clare and her companions lived a life of austerity and simplicity, relying solely on God’s providence. Her commitment to a life of renunciation was a profound embodiment of Matthew 16:24–28 — an unyielding resolve to deny herself, take up her cross, and follow Christ.
Founding the Sisters of the Poor Clares:
St. Clare’s influence extended beyond the confines of her own life as she guided countless women toward a deeper relationship with Christ. The Sisters of the Poor Clares, founded by St. Clare, continued her legacy of self-sacrifice, contemplation, and devotion to the Eucharist. Their mission centered on embracing a life of poverty, humility, and unwavering faith, mirroring the teachings of Christ in the Gospel.
St. Clare’s Ministry and Today’s Gospel Reflection (Matthew 16:24–28):
In Matthew 16:24–28, Jesus invites his disciples to a radical form of discipleship — a call to deny oneself, take up the cross, and follow him. St. Clare’s life and ministry beautifully embody this call. Her decision to forsake worldly comforts and dedicate herself to a life of self-sacrifice mirrors the essence of Jesus’ teaching. By relinquishing the pursuit of temporal gain, St. Clare found a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment in her unwavering commitment to Christ.
Just as Jesus promises that those who lose their lives for his sake will find true life, St. Clare’s life story echoes this truth. Through her radical obedience, she discovered a life of spiritual richness, inner peace, and communion with God. The establishment of the Poor Clares was a testament to her willingness to give up worldly attachments and embrace the cross, ultimately leading to a life imbued with divine grace and purpose.
Her story continues to inspire and challenge believers to relinquish worldly pursuits in favor of a life of selfless devotion, unwavering faith, and profound communion with Christ. In a world often consumed by materialism and self-centeredness, St. Clare’s legacy reminds us that true life is found through the radical embrace of Christ’s call — a call to deny, follow, and ultimately find life in Him.
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