What unnecessary things and mental clutter do you have in your life? What steps can you take to get rid of it?

Today (August 11^th), Catholics remember St. Clare of Assisi (1194-1253), at age 18 renounced her noble background, committed her life to Christ, and took a vow of radical poverty. A spiritual friend of St. Francis, she founded the Order of Poor Clares in San Damiano, Italy, and was the first woman to write a monastic Rule (order for daily life) for women.

The Poor Clares own no possessions, do manual labor, and share whatever food or goods they receive with the local poor. They pray constantly for others, especially those who are struggling, sick, or unemployed. The Order now has almost 900 branches over 5 continents.

Clare once said, “We become what we love, and who we love shapes what we become.” Now that’s worth pondering. . .