a Life of Praise |
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a Life of Praise |
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"The contemplative experience of Francis and Clare sprang from the incredible discovery
of God's love, ..." (this is the beginning sentence of Art 4.1 in the Order of Nuns of St. Clare) but just taking even part of this sentence gives us such a clear look at Franciscan contemplation and prayer. Not a life of prayer for prayer's sake, but a prayer like the Blessed Mother's Magnificat that overflows from becoming aware of how good God is.
So that an ordinary walk in the garden becomes an ectasy of delight as each little blossom shouts out how wonderful God is. A pause at the window fills one with joy as white puffy clouds sail along like ships across the sky. Did Francis and Clare lead a somber life of poverty? Poverty from what? Gold and silver and fancy clothes, yes....but surely not poverty from the glory God constantly surrounded them with. Saint Clare used to counsel her sisters as they were to leave on a begging trip - to fill their hearts with praise at the beauty of a single flower. We need to do this too, to let our contemplation become one of awe-filled praise and worship. To focus not on our lacks or even our needs but rather instead to look about us and see with new eyes the great beauty that God sets before us. |
