St Clare of Assisi – Aug 11 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence
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Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Aug 11, 2023, on the life and times of St Clare of Assisi, foundress of the Poor Clares.
St. Francis, after his conversion, prophesied about the future foundation of the Poor Clares at the church of St. Damien. St. Clare, inspired by his teachings, chose to serve the Lord in voluntary poverty. She distributed her wealth as alms for the poor. On Palm Sunday in 1212, she left her home, symbolizing her death to the world. Miraculously, she cleared obstacles blocking a rarely used door, showing God's support for her new life. Instead of marrying nobility, she chose a mystical union with the king of kings, with her dowry being holy poverty. St. Francis welcomed her, consecrated her to God, and she became the first Franciscan nun. When her family tried to force her back, she revealed her cropped hair, a sign of her consecration, and they left her in peace.
At San Damiano, the prophecy of St. Francis began to manifest. The monastery grew under St. Clare's leadership, emphasizing poverty and penance. Despite challenges, including attempts by Church authorities to change their way of life, St. Clare remained firm in her commitment to Franciscan poverty. Miracles, like multiplying bread to feed all the nuns, showcased God's providence. In 1228, Pope Gregory IX recognized the monastery's commitment to poverty. St. Clare became the first woman to write a rule for a religious order, which was confirmed by Pope Innocent IV. As she neared death, a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary confirmed her life's devotion and imitation of Mary's virtues.
Related Bible References:
1 John 4:16 - God is love and has loved us - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1john/4?16
1 Corinthians 13:5 - Love does not seek its own interests - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/13?5
00:00 – Introduction and Praise
00:07 – St. Francis' Conversion and Prophecy
01:08 – St. Clare's Spiritual Journey and Consecration
02:02 – St. Clare's Departure from the World
03:01 – St. Clare's Family's Reaction and Her Commitment
03:59 – Growth of the Monastery and St. Clare's Leadership
05:08 – Miracles, Faith, and the Eucharist
07:19 – St. Clare's Rule and Legacy
Ave Maria!
Mass: St. Clare of Assisi - Solemnity - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=215
Readings: - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/081123.cfm
1st: hos 2:16, 17, 21-22
Resp: psa 45:11-12, 14-16
2nd: 2co 4:6-10, 16-18
Gsp: joh 15:4-10
More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=695
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