It is inspiring to find so many strong Christian women in the heritage of our church. St. Clare certainly fits that description. According to Fr. Don Miller, at Franciscan Media, she called herself “the little plant of Saint Francis” but Fr. Miller says she is more like “a mighty oak.” After all, she withstood pressures from the Church elders, including 5 popes, defending the “privilege of poverty” (cited here, para 20)
Not only did she defend the lifestyle she chose for her sisters, she broke new ground by being the first woman to write the official Rule of Life for a religious order in the church. While St. Francis advised Clare with a document called, formula vivendi how to live a life of poverty as Christ lived, the Rule of Life approved 2 days before she died was written by Clare, herself.
And let’s remember, this was the 13th century. It wasn’t exactly a female dominated culture. I think it’s fairly remarkable that she would have even considered it a possibility to take such a strong position in the culture of that time. But then again, she certainly had the Holy Spirit for guidance. We could probably all benefit from paying a little more attention to the messages that the Holy Spirit sends to us.
“Clare’s reputation for holiness was such that the Pope himself came to her deathbed in 1253 to give her absolution, and wanted to canonize her immediately on her death, but was advised by his cardinals to wait.“ (found here, para 7) In her final days, she is quoted as saying, “Go forth without fear, Christian soul, for you have a good guide for your journey. Go forth without fear, for He that created you has sanctified you, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother.” (found here, para 1)
Certainly Clare found strength in her faith, and she wanted to share that lesson with the women around her. Now we are the beneficiaries of that message. If Clare could accomplish so much in the 13th century, imagine what we can do in the 21st. The question is, are we ready to accept the guidance of the Holy Spirit and receive the strength that comes with faith? …and if so, what will we do with it?
This is the question that I have been contemplating for a year or more, even before I started to learn about our female role models. In fact, my search for an answer to those questions is part of the reason I began this journey. I am surprised and grateful every week to find out where the Spirit will guide me. It is my prayer for all of you that you are also enjoying a faith journey led by the Spirit. May your paths lead you to greater strength than you ever dreamed.
And now, who better than the Franciscans to summarize the impact of St. Clare for us. In a final reflection at the Franciscan Media site, we find this wonderful tribute: “The 41 years of Clare’s religious life are scenarios of sanctity: an indomitable resolve to lead the simple, literal gospel life as Francis taught her; courageous resistance to the ever-present pressure to dilute the ideal; a passion for poverty and humility; an ardent life of prayer; and a generous concern for her sisters.“ (found here, para 9)
Dear God, we thank you for the journeys of faith in our lives, and for the gift of Your Holy Spirit to guide us on the way. Let us all reach the full potential that You see in us, and may we be examples of strength through faith for future generations.