Wisdom from St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi

Today I find that the offering from Lent and Easter, Wisdom from Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi brings me comfort and encouragement. Offering you the same.

Burning with Love for Christ

...[M]ay you, therefore, be inflamed ever more strongly with the fire of love! As you further contemplate His ineffable delights, riches, and perpetual honors, and, sighing, may you cry out from the great desire and love of your heart:

"Draw me after you,
let us run in the fragrance of your perfumes,
O heavenly Spouse!
I will run and not tire,
until You bring me into the wine-cellar,
until Your left hand is under my head
and your right hand will embrace me happily,
You will kiss me with the happiest kiss of Your mouth."

Saint Clare of Assisi,
"The Fourth Letter to Agnes of Prague." 57

Let Your Flame Shine

You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is throw out and tramples under foot.

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be his. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under a bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, lit your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:13-16

Prayer

Lord Jesus, the love I share with others in this world is only a small refection of your love for me. It is a spark compared with the light of the sun. This Lenten season, enkindle my heart so that the fire of my own love for you might grow in intensity and better resemble your love for me. May my life itself be a flame that makes your own light present in the world.

Lenten Action

Use a candle during prayer this Lenten season as a reminder of the love of Christ that burns withing your. Be an agent for light in the world that often seems overcome by darkness; be a positive and uplifting presence to those around you.

I think the kindest message for me here today is that I should make a conscious effort to offer true and honest, loving and compassionate assistance to those with whom I meet each day. This is not an easy task as there are those I meet who seem to dare me to be nice to them. I am grateful for this encouragement.

+
~~+++~~
+
Thanks be to God!

Lent and Easter, Wisdom from St. Frances and St. Clare of Assisi is compiled by John V. Kruse