Jesus speaks in the Gospel of renouncing all possessions in order to become a true disciple of Him.
Francis, in order to follow in Christ's footsteps, renounced his wealthy position, all possessions, because he had found so much more: Christ, for Whom he espoused Lady Poverty, embraced by the very Son of God.
We find special references in the Sources.
"On the advice of the bishop of the city, a very pious man, who did not think it right to use ill-gotten money for sacred purposes, the man of God returned to his father the sum, which he wanted to spend on the restoration of the church.
And in front of many who had gathered there and were listening:
"From now on," he exclaimed, "I will be able to say freely: Our Father, who art in heaven, not Father Peter Bernardone. Behold, I will not only give him back his money, but I will also give him back all his clothes. Thus, I will go naked to meet the Lord'.
O noble soul of a man, to whom Christ alone suffices!
They then realised that the man of God, under his robes, wore the cilizium, joyful not so much to appear as to be virtuous" (FF 597).
Moreover, "he taught, having learned it by revelation, that the first step in holy religion is to realise that word of the Gospel: 'If you want to be perfect, go, sell everything you have and give it to the poor'.
Therefore he only admitted to the Order those who had renounced property and kept absolutely nothing for themselves.
This is what she did, in homage to the Word of the Gospel; but also to avoid the scandal of private purses" (FF 1121).
Clare herself, of noble origins, had renounced all possessions and relatives in order to follow Christ in the footsteps of Francis.
Indeed, in her Testament she says:
"After the Most High Heavenly Father had deigned, by his mercy and grace, to enlighten my heart so that I might begin to do penance, following the example and teaching of our most blessed Father Francis, a short time after his conversion, I, together with the few sisters whom the Lord had given me a short time after my conversion, freely promised him obedience, in conformity with the inspiration that the Lord had communicated to us through his praiseworthy life and teaching" (FF 2831).
They considered everything rubbish before the sublime knowledge of Christ.
Wednesday 31st wk. in O.T. (Lk 14:25-33)
