Fr Trevor D’Souza OFM –
Clare of Assisi cannot be understood without understanding Francis of Assisi and Francis is incomplete without Clare.
While Francis represents the masculine, active and overt dimensions, Clare represents the feminine, contemplative and covert (hidden) dimensions of the Franciscan movement.
If Francis, then is the sun, Clare is the moon that reflects his light.
Clare, who called herself as the “little plant” of Francis has many things to teach us.
She taught us how to “gaze upon the Lord” in a spirit of silent contemplation … the meaning of undaunted spiritual courage that can dialogue with the Pope and withstand the unruly Saracens … the spirit of patient perseverance till she got what she wanted – her rule approved.
While Francis was the flashy guy, with his song, poetry, music and dance … Clare was the solid rock with deep wellsprings of spiritual energy.