1.
We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become. If we love things, we become a thing. If we love nothing, we become nothing. Imitation is not a literal mimicking of Christ, rather it means becoming the image of the beloved, an image disclosed through transformation. This means we are to become vessels of God's compassionate love for others.
Clare of Assisi
2.
We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.
Clare of Assisi
'What we adore and whom we cherish influences our transformation.'
3.
Our labor here is brief, but the reward is eternal. Do not be disturbed by the clamor of the world, which passes like a shadow. Do not let false delights of a deceptive world deceive you.
Clare of Assisi
'Our toil here is fleeting, but the recompense is everlasting. Do not be intimidated by the commotion of the world, which vanishes like a phantom. Do not let beguiling gratifications of an illusory realm mislead you.'
4.
Go forth in peace, for you have followed the good road. Go forth without fear, for he who created you has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Blessed be you, my God, for having created me.
Clare of Assisi
5.
Our body is not made of iron. Our strength is not that of stone. Live and hope in the Lord, and let your service be according to reason.
Clare of Assisi
'Do not overexert yourself; instead, place your trust in the Almighty and exercise moderation in all you do.'
6.
Love God, serve God; everything is in that.
Clare of Assisi
Adore the Lord, revere the Lord; all is encompassed therein.
7.
Loving one another with the charity of Christ, let the love you have in your hearts be shown outwardly in your deeds so that compelled by such an example, the sisters may also grow in the love of God and charity for one another.
Clare of Assisi
8.
Love that does not know of suffering is not worthy of the name.
Clare of Assisi
'Affection that is unfamiliar with hardship does not merit the label.'
9.
I come, O Lord, unto Thy sanctuary to see the life and food of my soul. As I hope in Thee, O Lord, inspire me with that confidence which brings me to Thy holy mountain. Permit me, Divine Jesus, to come closer to Thee, that my whole soul may do homage to the greatness of Thy majesty; that my heart, with its tenderest affections, may acknowledge Thine infinite love; that my memory may dwell on the admirable mysteries here renewed every day, and that the sacrifice of my whole being may accompany Thine.
Clare of Assisi
10.
Place your mind before the mirror of eternity! Place your soul in the brilliance of glory! And transform your entire being into the image of the Godhead Itself through contemplation.
Clare of Assisi
Contemplate and reflect upon the timelessness of existence, letting your soul bask in the brilliance of grandeur, allowing your being to be remolded into the likeness of perfection.
11.
O blessed poverty, who bestows eternal riches on those who love and embrace her!
Clare of Assisi
