For Clare, Christ was her everything. In Christ she found inspiration for everything she did. Her life was an act of thanksgiving for Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on behalf of humanity.

Without a good base, whether in a family, faith life, or community, there is no stability. St. Clare provided this foundation for the sisters and for others who sought her wisdom.

The enormity of Christ offering up his life for us is so great that it will take continual meditation to try and wrap our heads around it. It always will. Clare knew that.

Throughout this time, Clare was not an isolated onlooker but one of the protagonists who determined and influenced the development of this religious movement which Francis had set in motion.

We live in a noisy world. Too often we fill silent moments with endless chatter and loud distractions. Yet in silence there can be great peace.

The poor sisters lived filled with consolation, with assurance. They dared to believe that promise of Jesus. They were learning that he was true to his word and their joy was, indeed, full and free.