An extract from a talk given by Chiara Lubich to members of the Focolare gathered in Switzerland on 11 August 1999.
Estavayer-le-Lac (Switzerland), August 11, 1999
Feast Day of St Claire
(…) Today is the feast of St Claire of Assisi. I remember what a deep impression the life of this saint made on me. I remember how impressed I was, we have always been impressed by an answer she gave to St. Francis. When Francis asked her: “Daughter, what do you desire?” She replied: “God”.
(…) And this was our experience at the beginning of our Movement when all our ideals were crumbling and we felt that one alone did not crumble: God. It was not the effect of human reasoning. It was an inspiration. It was the work of the Holy Spirit, an inner impulse. We chose God. (…)
But how did St Claire attain this light which continues to shine even up to our times, and will continue to shine? She attained it – says the Bull of Canonization – by abdicating herself. She abdicated herself. She left everything: her comfortable life, things, people, but God filled her completely. We need to do the same in line with our spirituality. We must abdicate ourselves for unity, in order to have the presence of Jesus in our midst, to have Jesus within us… to be united so that He may be present among us.
Another thing that always fascinated us about St Claire is the fact that 700 years later she still emanated a light so that we could imitate her. We could imitate her in accordance with our spirituality, because these great saints, who have the risen Lord within them or the risen Lord in their midst, leave a trail of light wherever they go. I remember how we first focolarine were attracted by her reply: “God”. (…) We said: “We too, want to live so as to leave a trail of light.” Do you know why? Because we would like to do good on earth not only during our lifetime, but afterwards as well, for centuries, for many people, millions of people. But for this to be so, we ourselves must not live but the Risen Lord must live in us. If the risen Lord lives in us, he will shine forth and leave a trail of light.
This is my wish for all of you today on the feast of St Claire.
Chiara Lubich
