shapes what we become.
St Clare of Assisi
When I first heard about St Francis in my early 20s there was an instant appeal. He was passionate, radical and courageous; a man of faith, willing to put his life on the line for what he believed. He had a strong sense of mission and a reckless disregard for what others might think of him. He was able to let go of everything to follow his dream of imitating Jesus – and yet a practical person who begged for rocks to rebuild churches. When his father wanted his wealth returned, Francis, with naive innocence, gave him everything he had – even the clothes he was wearing! It was this ability to live life with open hands and heart that continues to appeal to people and in this way continues to 'shape what we become'.
St Clare of Assisi, on the other hand, made a much later entry into my life. At first, I felt a deep sense of pathos for her. She deeply loved Francis, but because their friendship would cause gossip, they lived apart and rarely met, yet neither were far from each other's mind or heart. And while Francis, with his energy and passion, lived the active life of mission and was always on the move, Clare, on the other hand, lived a hidden life of prayer in a convent. Yet, together, they offer us a similar passion to radically live the Gospel.
Clare, in a way, became Francis' Yin who dwelt in the shadows, while he was her Yang who danced in the sun. They both needed and desired each other, causing their love to shape their lives, and allowing their witness to bloom into a creative mission.
The Jungian analyst and author, Robert Johnson, alluded to this spiritual capacity within the lives of both men and women. He suggested it enables us to go into our own still centre every time something profound happens to us. He said it is a very creative act that requires us to be receptive but not passive.
Two lovely legends illustrate this ability their love they had for each other; and their capacity to dwell within their own still centre. The first is about Francis who was travelling with Br Leo, late one night on foot. Tired, they arrived at a well. Francis leaned over and looked into the clear water for a long time. When he came to himself, he cheerfully said to Brother Leo, “Brother Leo, lamb of God, what do you think I saw in the clear waters of the fountain?” Br Leo suggested he was looking at the moonlight that was reflected upon the water. Francis replied, “No, brother, I did not see the moon, but the face of our sister Clare, so full of holy joy, that all my weariness disappeared”.
The second story is about Clare, and occurred one midwinter evening when Francis called at the Convent to inquire whether the Sisters had all they needed? As Francis left, Clare followed him. Francis stopped and turned around. Then gently told Clare it was best they not meet because gossip would soon ruin the good their communities were doing. Clare felt sad and lost. “What will I do without you?” she asked Francis. “You are my guide and support! Will we never meet again?” Francis pointed to a bare rose bush and promised, “We will meet again when the roses bloom”. Then as he turned away, Francis noticed the rose bush that had been covered in snow, was suddenly in full bloom. Clare, smiling and content, gathered the roses for their chapel as Francis disappeared into the night.
A biographer noted that they were never separated again because they never left each other's heart. In this way, they were able to join their mutual love, and their love of Christ, with their love of the poor, so it became one great love.
Who, or what do you love? Who shapes your becoming?
Kia mau te rongo me te pai ki a koe i to haerenga
May you find peace and goodwill on your journey.
Phil
________________
Johnson, R, She: Understanding Feminine Psychology, Harper Perennial; Revised edition (March 24, 2020)
Johnson, R, He: Understanding Masculine Psychology, Harper & Row; Revised edition edition (1 Feb. 1991)
No comments:
Post a Comment