Emulating Francis and Clare

In our day of anti-heros, we need examples of faithful living that we can genuinely admire. So from time-to-time (often at the beginning of a new year), we at Renovaré hope to feature particular individuals that are sterling models of Christian spirituality for us. In this issue we look at two such individuals — Francis and Clare who were both from Assisi, a small town in Northern Italy. Together they laid the foundation for the world-wide Franciscan movement.

The ​“Friars Minor” (as they called themselves) became the most dynamic spiritual movement of the thirteenth century, drawing thousands into their ranks and inspiring tens of thousands more to a deeper devotion to Christ. Francis and Clare were at the heart of this spiritual explosion, Francis setting the pattern for the men’s expression of the movement and Clare for the women.

Combinations to Emulate

The delightful stories of Francis and Clare have been recounted well over the years. What I want to stress here is the unique combinations we find in their lives — combinations that make them especially inviting models for us today even though we live in drastically different circumstances. 

First, between Francis and Clare themselves we find a wonderful combination of devoted friendship which at the same time is free from sexual overtones. In Francis and Clare we see the deepest care and most passionate respect for one another without the slightest hint of eroticism. This is a powerful lesson to us who live in a culture that makes ​“love” and ​“sex” virtual synonyms.

Second, we see intense contemplation combined with evangelistic fervor. When Francis asked Clare for counsel on whether he should devote himself to contemplative prayer or to evangelistic preaching, she wisely replied that God wanted him to do both. What an instructive model for us today.

Third, we discover a radical critique of the Church combined with a profound love for the Church. When St. Francis heard the divine Word, ​“rebuild my church,” he went about obeying that command in such a way that called into question every craving for possessions, every hankering after status, every yearning for honor. Yet, through it all it is impossible to question Francis’ great devotion and concern and love for the Church, the community of Faith. It is a combination we would do well to imitate.

Fourth, we find an authentic charismatic leadership combined with a profound commitment to Christian community. In our day gifted leaders are sorely tempted to go their own way without regard for either the traditions that have gone on before them or the guidance and counsel of those around them. But for both Francis and Clare submission and obedience to Christian authority were central to their calling. In this they teach us.

Fifth, we learn from these two how to have an ecological sensitivity that refuses to deify creation. Francis could express the deepest reverence for nature — taming the wolf of Gubbio, preaching to the birds, writing his canticle to ​“Brother Sun and Sister Moon” — without ever worshiping nature. Consistently he called upon all of the creation — Brother Wind and Sister Water, Brother Fire and Sister Mother Earth, as well as the entire human creation — to ​“Praise and bless my Lord (God) and give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility.” It is solid guidance for us today.

These, I believe, are combinations that we can all appreciate and embrace. And I would hope we will find many inventive ways to integrate these combinations into our day-to-day experience.