Clare was born and grew up in Assisi, Italy where she spent lots of time listening to St. Francis preach. She had a burning desire to leave her comfortableness and serve the poor. On the eve of Palm Sunday in 1212, being eighteen years old, she left her home and family and dedicated her life to Jesus. St. Francis gave her a rough, brown robe to wear and cut her beautiful hair. She lived with the Benedictine nuns until more women desired to follow her and Jesus.
Before long there was a small community of "poor ladies." They had strict rules that included walking barefoot, eating no meat, and a vow of poverty which meant relying on God for EVERYTHING.
One time, while abbess of her community, a violent band of soldiers came to attack the city of Assisi. St. Clare, although extremely sick, was asked to be carried out to the window with the Blessesd Sacrament. She prayed for God to save the nuns and the city. Suddenly, the soldiers were frightened by something and left the city.
In honor of this amazing saint, we decided to go through our rooms and closets and get rid of things we were no longer using or things we thought someone else could appreciate and use. (How many people in our own city are relying on God to provide their necessities and how is God calling us to be his hands and his feet?)
After only an hour of purging, we came up with four full bags! That doesn't include what hubby will give away.
I'm so proud of the kids and it was an interesting discussion as we explored St. Clare's concept that she called "the privelege of the poor." No doubt it can be scary to rely on God for every piece of food, every piece of clothing, and every piece of medicine. How great an accomplishment it would be though, to realize how little we need to be truly happy for all eternity.
St. Clare intercede for us as we learn to desire the things of heaven. Pray for us!
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