Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Mary Ann Spanjers reflects on the tenth of a series of videos on Franciscan Discernment. Learn more about St. Clare of Assisi’s discernment journey during this month we celebrate her holiness.
Franciscan Spirituality Discernment August, 2025
“Clare: Risking All”
On Palm Sunday night, 1212 Clare responded to a deep call from God to risk, which changed her life forever. She dared to listen to the inspiration of God; she dared to accept the gospel as her only treasure; she dared to embrace a vision of life that Francis held out to her. The Legend of St Clare describes the event briefly:
On that night, preparing to obey the command of the saint, (Francis) she embarked upon her long desired flight with a virtuous companion Friar. Since she was not content to leave by way of the usual door, marveling at her strength, she broke open with her own hands that other door of her house that is customarily blocked by wood and stone.
It reminds us of the Gospel in Matt. 14:22-33, The disciples are on their way across the sea, Jesus who went off to pray comes walking across on the water toward them as they battled a storm. Peter asks Jesus to command him to come to him on the water. Jesus dared Peter to see and believe. Jesus simply said, “Come.” Peter did, imagine his first step…
Imagine Clare’s first step out of her home as she went to join Francis. Not knowing what was to happen, she made the decision to risk all and trust in a future based on God’s promises. Unlike Peter, who took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink, Clare somehow kept her gaze on Jesus, always finding in that gaze clarity of purpose and conviction in her chosen path. Peter’s doubt helped him find deeper faith; Clare’s faithfulness to Jesus in giving up everything for Him also discovered who she was and how much she belonged to Jesus. (From Fr. Roch Niemier’s book, In the Footsteps of Francis and Clare.)
Life is filled with risks, especially a life of faith. May you find inspiration in the risk of St. Clare to give all of herself to an unknown future with Jesus. I am deeply moved by her conviction and discovery of how to do what seems impossible by keeping her gaze on Jesus. I do know that when I stay focused on Him through prayer, the Eucharist, reaching out to others, waiting and trusting, even when the waters of political uncertainty, wars, extreme poverty and injustice, slow response from young women called to enter Religious life, sickness and natural disasters are raging, He gives me the fortitude to follow this path of my vocation as a Franciscan Sister. I experience His peace and deep love.
St Clare of Assisi, pray for us!!!
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