Clare of Assisi: A Heart Full of Love

by Ilia Delio O.S.F.

Although this is a small book on the spirituality of a medieval woman from a glorious past, it is also a book about Christian life today. Clare's decisive emphasis on the person of Jesus Christ is an emphasis on the human person as well, what we are and what we are called to be. —From the Introduction

Clare of A Heart Full of Love explores Clare's deep desire to live the gospel life, more precisely, her desire for all of us to reflect on Christ and his crucifixion in order to see our own strengths and weaknesses, and most importantly, our capacity to love. Ilia Delio illustrates how Clare, through her life, her writings, letters, prayer and example, is truly a mystic who helped generations of Catholics clearly see how Christ took on human flesh, not just to suffer and die for us, but to help us all in turn reflect back the face of Christ to the world.

Clare was not simply a follower of Francis, she was a formidable, resolute, devout and loving saint whose life centered on this essence of human identity—Christ is in each of us—and who sought to teach us to just be ourselves and to let God dwell within us. In Clare of A Heart Full of Love , Ilia Delio shows us just how Clare's simple, but powerful beliefs transformed the way we all think about Christ—even today.

Genres: Biography, Religion, Nonfiction, Catholic

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2007

Reviews

[Abigail Dankoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Contemplation, inflamed by love, is the basis of costly discipleship. For if we really see the depths of God revealed in persons or creatures who otherwise might be discarded, rejected or annihilated then we must act...We many be rejected, imprisoned, excluded from community, ostracized by the church, but if we truly see then we must truly love.”

[Jane Tennyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too long

This was an inter explanation about Franciscan spirituality, but not nearly what I was expecting. It said it was based on Claire's letters to Agnes and would have been much better if those letters had been included.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is maybe 1/3 about St Clare, and some of that is speculation. This is an interesting and deep theology, but I never got over it not being what I expected.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

After visiting Assisi, I was excited by the Franciscan spirit that permeated his home and continues to inspire the order and lay people alike. Clare was an intimate follower and counterpart to St. Francis. Her vision of the "mirror" of the cross, the crucified Christ, was my first introduction to any kind of mysticism. It is radical and challenging, but the eucharistic life she speaks of is so good. There is power in the faith in a living presence of God, who invites and shares and relates through every living being.

[Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into spreading God's light

This was a good and thoughtful read. It gave great insight into St. Clare's spirituality and her way of contemplation to transform ourselves into working reflections of God's love. The book has questions at the end of each chapter for personal reflection but would also be good for a group/book club discussion.

[Ted Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

CLARE OF ASSISI is an enlightening look at the life, beliefs, spirituality and teachings of St. Clare and St. Francis with Delio's emphasis on Franciscan theology and culture relating to Christian life today.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a good book on spirituality. My issue is that the title is very misleading. I was expecting a book about St Clare. That is not what this is; this is a book on spirituality, somewhat on the spirituality of St Clare, but mostly about St Francis and St Bonaventure.

[Cynthia]

No

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clare's spirituality is fierce and unapologetic. Her movement toward God is "light and swift, indicating the life in God is not to be deterred by earthly matters." I was blown away by her concept of simultaneous relationship with all persons of the Trinity , as well as her insistence that poverty means to be dependent on others, for when we are, it allows God's goodness to shine through them. How different from my stubborn necessity for independence and control! This brilliant Saint challenges us to become *coworkers* with God, until God's presence in others is so powerful to us that "our reverence for ALL people becomes i n s t i n c t i v e."

[Saffron Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this after I had read Franciscan prayer.
I wish I had read this first as it really explains it better.
It was nice to finally start to understand Clare's writing to Agnes, about her method of prayer and contemplation. Basically gazing on Christ, considering him, contemplating Christ, imitating (or becoming) Christ. Which still to me being out in the real world all the time, this seems very difficult if not impossible but I would like to so maybe I will get there one day...

[Jim Milway · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for the story of Clare's life. This isn't it. It's a reflection of her writings. This is something through which to meditate rather than simply read. Interesting take on the Trinity - love flowing between each of the three Persons. Poverty isn't simply a lack of material things. And mediating on a crucifix is like looking in a mirror. Obviously I haven't done justice to her reflections - but perhaps enough to interest you to give it a read.