The Hidden Innerness of Our Lives

Perhaps our great calling in this pandemic is to turn ourselves inside out: to allow the inconveniences, the standstill, and all that is unprecedented about this time to help us become aware of and nurture the hidden innerness of our lives. From that depth, we have so much more to share with one another! Surely there are many, many ways for us to cultivate spiritual depth and spiritual sharing in the gift of these days.

In that spirit, we invite you to enjoy this introduction to Francis, Clare and Assisi, prepared for the Economy of Francesco contemplative gathering.

Let us draw strength, from God and from one another, as we strip ourselves down to what really matters.

Be inflamed with the fire of love!

Clare of Assisi’s letters to Agnes of Prague are filled with counsels about the  how to grow into deepening relationship with God and affirmations of the richness of life with God.

Clare’s continual practice of gazing, considering, contemplating and imitating Christ as intimate companion led her to affirm that God is the one.

Whose tenderness touches,   Whose contemplation refreshes,   Whose kindness overflows, Whose delight overwhelms,   Whose remembrance delightfully dawns.

As this profound, fertile and vibrant love relationship comes alive in us, we are empowered to engage life more lovingly.  A desire to dwell together and bring out the best in one another emerges.

The tender community that Clare gathered at San Damiano was one that was permeated by the transforming, empowering fire of God’s love, a love that she and her sisters wanted everyone to share.