St. Clare

Today's Memorial of St. Clare, friend of St. Francis, and Foundress of the Poor Clares, makes us stop and think about the place of material goods in our lives. After his conversion from the life of an amorous and fun-loving soldier, Francesco Bernadone saw wealth and material goods in a new and unfavorable light. He infuriated his father by throwing out expensive materials to the poor saying, "Throw it all away. What good will it do you?" Clare was smitten by this notion and begged to become a follower of St. Francis, a favor granted. She and her followers lived by the motto, "Will will provide." To this day, the Poor Clares own nothing and depend on gifts from others for their survival; this abandonment to Divine Providence enables them to devote their total attention to the praise and worship of God through the prayer of contemplation. It is a radical way of life, but one that inspires us who are so quick to accumulate "junk" or to save beyond reason every piece of string "in case I need it," as we justify our insanity. Having spent our days going through what I've accumulated, I'm embarrased, appalled, overwhelmed by the amount of "stuff" that was tucked away in my bedroom, not, for sure, the simple monk's cell! We need some things, and as long as they do not interfere with our love of God and neighbor, and serve as a means of improving the quality of our life and ministry, they can be looked upon as "instruments", or "tools" but as soon as I become their slave, then I'm in trouble. St. Clare, give us a sense of detachment from material goods that we might more freely attach ourselves to our Divine Master. Amen.