During the month of August, we celebrate the life and ministry of St. Clare of Assisi by reflecting on her life and ministry. In addition to being a follower of St. Francis, St. Clare was also the first woman to write her own Rule for religious life. Part of this Rule includes the thought that to be a Franciscan, a decision was made each day, voluntarily for Christ. Additionally, from the first days, every Franciscan was to have manual work of some kind, in addition to prayer and other activities. For St. Clare, this work included embroidery. She is known to have embroidered fine altar cloths, as well as spending extended periods of silence in prayer, and caring for the needs of others.
Reflection
One of the ways to illuminate the quiet work and life of St. Clare is the Parable of the Yeast, found in the Gospel of Matthew 13:33 where Jesus says, “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures (about sixty pounds) of flour until all of it was leavened.” The work of mixing in the yeast was no small task, but important to enable the bread to rise. Similarly, St. Clare’s daily decision to follow Christ, the work of her hands, her prayer life, and her care for others encouraged the transforming action of God in the lives of all who encountered her.
Team Discussion
- How can we daily embody the HSHS Core Values as demonstrated by St. Clare?
How can we incorporate the spirit of St. Clare’s manual work and prayer into our routines to enhance our service to others?
How does the Parable of the Yeast inspire us to contribute to the transformative mission of our ministry, even in small and quiet ways?
Dates to Remember
August 11 | Feast of St Clare
August 20 | Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach Foundation Day