St. Clare Joins Order

After hearing St. Francis preach on many occasions, St. Clare became convinced that she wanted to lead a life of poverty. She begged St. Francis to allow her to join his order. He became her spiritual guide, and advised her to relinquish the things of the world. One night, she was met by St. Francis and his brothers. Lighting the way with torches, they led her to a little chapel. There, she gave up her shining dress in exchange for a rough woolen robe. She traded her jeweled belt for a common rope with knots, cut her golden hair, and put on a tight black veil. Then, she exchanged her rich, embroidered shoes for a pair of wooden sandals. Thus prepared, she made the three vows of consecration to live like Jesus and Francis, in contentment, labor, prayer, peace and joy. She died August 11, 1253, and was canonized two years later.

Meditation:

"No man can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be attentive to one and despise the other. You cannot give yourself to God and to money. I warn you then, do not worry about your livelihood, what you are to eaqt and drink or use for clothing. Is life not more valuable than clothes?" ---Matthew 6:25