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Matthew 19: 27-29
Peter said to Jesus,
“We have given up everything and followed you.
What will there be for us?”
Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you
that you who have followed me, in the new age,
when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory,
will yourselves sit on twelve thrones,
judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters
or father or mother or children or lands
for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more,
and will inherit eternal life.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
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Who do you know more about, Saint Francis of Assisi or Saint Clare?
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Most of us would probably say, “Saint Francis of Assisi.”
He was a lover of animals; he started the Franciscans; he was an itinerant preacher; he lived in Italy; and he wrote that fabulous prayer, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”
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But what about Saint Clare? Who was she?
Both Francis and Clare were born into wealthy Italian families. Both jettisoned their fortunes to follow the Lord. Both are considered Saints. They were also best friends.
Clare was drawn to Francis’ deep spirit and jovial nature. In fact, they became so close that Clare founded a second order of the Franciscans, the Poor Clares.
To this day, both religious orders remain active around the world, some 800 years after their founding.
But what draws me to Saint Clare is the fact that, unlike Francis, she’s largely forgotten.
Although they were very close friends; although they both helped rebuild and reform the Church; although they both made incredible sacrifices to follow the Lord, Francis receives most of the recognition.
And for Claire, that was okay. She didn’t need the spotlight; so long as God was glorified.
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Claire reminds us that every Christian should seek to build the Kingdom of God in two ways, through humility and friendship.
Find people who bring out the best in us, who challenge us to become better, more humble servants, who sanctify our spirit much like Francis did for Clare.
Do I have such a friend? And, more importantly, can I be such a friend?
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Image credits: (1) Goodnet.org (2) Franciscan Media (3) woman’s day