St. Claire Basilica, Assisi, Italy
Clare of Assisi, the daughter of a count, was only 18 years old when she decided to give up a life of riches and luxury to embrace a life of piety and poverty. Touched deeply by the sweet love Francis of Assisi held in his heart for God, she sought him in secret to teach her how to live “after the manner of the holy Gospel” as well.
St. Clare of Assisi and St. Francis of Assisi
And he did.
Following his advice, Clare left her father’s home in secret, accompanied by her aunt Bianca, and went to to the humble chapel of the Porziuncula where St. Francis and his disciples met her with lights in their hands. It was here where the beautiful young girl laid aside her dress, gave St. Francis permission to cut her hair, and after being clothed in a rough tunic and a thick veil, she vowed herself to the service of God.
Her story is beautiful and inspiring. But so are the few words this angelic being left behind. And it is my hope that the love with which she infused each and every one of these words will bring peace to your mind and love to your heart.
15 Life-Changing Lessons to Learn from St. Clare of Assisi
1. Love that cannot suffer is not worthy of that name. ~ St. Clare of Assisi
2. Go forth in peace.
“Go forth in peace, for you have followed the good road. Go forth without fear, for he who created you has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Blessed be you, my God, for having created me.” ~ St. Clare of Assisi
3. We become what we love.
“We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become. If we love things, we become a thing. If we love nothing, we become nothing. Imitation is not a literal mimicking of Christ, rather it means becoming the image of the beloved, an image disclosed through transformation.” ~ St. Clare of Assisi
4. Do not let false delights of a deceptive world deceive you.
“Our labor here is brief, but the reward is eternal. Do not be disturbed by the clamor of the world, which passes like a shadow. Do not let false delights of a deceptive world deceive you.” ~ St. Clare of Assisi
5. Love God, serve God; everything is in that. ~ St. Clare of Assisi
6. Let your service be according to reason.
“Our body is not made of iron. Our strength is not that of stone. Live and hope in the Lord, and let your service be according to reason.” ~ Clare of Assisi
7. Love Him totally, who gave Himself totally for your love. ~ St. Clare of Assisi
8. Place your mind before the mirror of eternity.
“Place your mind before the mirror of eternity.! Place your soul in the brilliance of glory! And transform your entire being into the image of the Godhead Itself through contemplation.” ~ St. Clare of Assisi
9. The way which leads to heaven is narrow.
“Never forget that the way which leads to heaven is narrow; that the gate leading to life is narrow and low; that there are but few who find it and enter by it; and if there be some who go in and tread the narrow path for some time, there are but very few who persevere therein.” ~ St. Clare of Assisi
10. We are to become vessels of God’s compassionate love for others. ~ St. Clare of Assisi
11. If you cry with Him, you will have joy with Him.
“If you suffer with Him, you will reign with Him. If you cry with Him, you will have joy with Him. If you die with Him on the cross of tribulation, you will possess the eternal dwelling place in the splendor of the saints. And your name, written in the book of life, will be glorious among men. “~St. Clare of Assisi
12. Prefer the Lord’s advice to the advice of others.
“Prefer the Lord’s advice to the advice of others and consider it more precious to you than any gift.” ~ St. Clare of Assisi
13. What you do, may you do and never abandon.
“What you hold, may you always hold. What you do, may you do and never abandon. But with swift pace, light step, unswerving feet, so that even your steps stir no dust, go forward securely, joyfully, and swiftly, on the path of prudent happiness, believing nothing agreeing with nothing which would dissuade you from this resolution or which would place a stumbling block for you on the way, so that you may offer your vows to the Most High in the pursuit of that perfection to which the Spirit of the Lord has called you.” ~ St. Clare of Assisi
14. He is the brightness of eternal glory, the splendor of eternal light, the mirror without spot.
“Happy the soul to whom it is given to attain this life with Christ, to cleave with all one’s heart to him whose beauty all the heavenly hosts behold forever, whose love inflames our love, the contemplation of whom is our refreshment, whose graciousness is our delight, whose gentleness fills us to overflowing, whose remembrance makes us glow with happiness, whose fragrance revives the dead, the glorious vision of whom will be the happiness of all the citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem. For he is the brightness of eternal glory, the splendor of eternal light, the mirror without spot.” ~ St. Clare of Assisi
15. Melancholy is the poison of devotion.
“Melancholy is the poison of devotion. When one is in tribulation, it is necessary to be more happy and more joyful because one is nearer to God.” ~ St. Clare of Assisi
Originally Published: www.purposefairy.com
