An Unexpected Guest

"Stay awake and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak." -Matthew 26:40-41

A DHG reflection by Matt Farah

It was a normal morning for me, on August 11th. I got ready for work and headed off to Mass, beginning my day. I entered the Church and prepared my interior home for the Divine House Guest, Our Lord Jesus. I asked Our Blessed Mother to help clean this dirty house and prepare Her Son's meal for His coming. Now, I must admit, as devoted as I am to this blessed devotion, and truly aware of its marvelous fruits, I often fail at doing an adequate job of preparing my house for Him. I can sometimes get distracted, but I always implore Our Blessed Mother, even if Jesus is mere seconds away from entering, to prepare this house the best she can.

Now returning to this occasion, I heard the homily of the priest. This priest often preaches on the Saint of the day, and he spoke briefly about the holiness of St. Clare's death and entry into Heaven. At that moment, I was very intrigued and in fact, astounded by his description of her death. However, this seemed to be a fading thought, one that comes in and tends to just go out, and I had never even thought of St. Clare before this moment. Finally, it comes time for Our Lord to enter into my home, and I receive Him with joy, a grace that He always fills me with, and I am so happy that He is with me. I spend a few moments with Him, listening and talking, and ask Him to journey with me as I go about the day. I leave the church, head to work, then back home again, and prepare for bed. A normal day for me.

As I am about to walk up the stairs... I hear the voice of St. Clare. She is knocking on my door! It was not an audible sound, but a distinct spiritual knock. This rarely happens to me, and I couldn't actually believe it! I quickly opened the door, and I heard her say something like this- in my heart, "I want you to get to know me. Let's spend some time together." We talked for a few moments, and I had such an overwhelming sense of peace come upon me, that I wanted to spend more time together. St. Clare at this moment, had to leave, but I wished her a happy fest day and told her that I would like to see her again. As I entered into the night, I could not stop thinking about this encounter. I asked Our Lord and Our Lady to guide me to the book that would invite me most, into a deeper relationship with St. Clare, and ordered the book. I went to sleep with utter enthusiasm and excitement, awaiting the arrival of St. Clare once again.

Two weeks go by, and finally, St. Clare has come back into my home, this time ready to engage in a deeper conversation. She begins walking me through her life, from a young girl, through childhood, adulthood and such [St. Clare of Assisi: Light From the Cloister by Bret Thomas]. Her mother named her Clare because Jesus had revealed to her that Clare would be a 'bright light' that many would enjoy. I felt like I was enjoying 'her very bright light'!

Clare grew up in a wealthy family in Assisi, Italy with worldly comforts at her fingertips. In the inspiration of St. Francis, who gave up everything to embrace the poverty of Christ, she followed him (even against the strong admonitions of her very powerful father). Despite the agony that her father put her through, she kept her gaze fixed upon Our Lord crucified, and started her own religious order at San Damiano, right outside the walls of Assisi. In fact, St. Francis had warned St. Clare in a private conversation of the demonic temptations that she would face. He remarked that Judas would come for her; he would try to force his decision upon her; and not to let Judas make the decision on her behalf. He reassured her of God's grace to endure His will for her, no matter the circumstances. And St. Clare did, she persevered and became enraptured in her love for Jesus. Often she spent time in prayer, during the wee hours of the night. Her sisters would recount seeing a glow emanating around her face! Her story was absolutely beautiful, enrapturing, inspiring and I was clearly enjoying her light, and I praised Jesus, for His light, shining through her so beautifully.

I had just entertained one of Jesus' very good friends. And now mine : ) It is truly spectacular to think that not only does the Lord Jesus want us for Himself, but He will often send us companions for the journey. He will bring guests along with Him, who will in fact help us to grow in a deeper relationship with the Divine House Guest. It is up to us to remain attentive, to 'stay awake' when the Lord inspires us to, even during the night, and to listen to His voice. For He knocks at a time we sometimes do not expect, and sometimes the best encounters we have with our friends on this earth, is when they show up unannounced at our doorsteps, as I did with St. Clare. So as we go about this journey we call life, let us be awake, let us walk always with Our God, our best friend, and welcome into our homes, His friends who will help to guide us in the journey to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Many thanks to the Divine House Guest, for this beautiful devotion.

Praise be Jesus and Mary.

St. Clare of Assisi, pray for us!