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Document Details : Title: Mirrors and Footprints Subtitle: Metaphor's of Relationship in Clare of Assisi's Writings Author(s): DELIO, Ilia Journal: Studies in Spirituality Volume: 10 Date: 2000 Pages: 167-181 DOI: 10.2143/SIS.10.0.505266 Abstract : Clare of Assisi desired to live an evangelical life but due to ecclesiastical restrictions was compelled to live enclosed at the convent of San Damiano. Despite het cloistered life, Clare developed an evangelical way of life suitable to her community. In her letters to Agnes of Prague, Clare articulates a theology of imitation of Christ which she distinguishes from the following of CHrist. Using metaphors of mirror and footprint, she indicates that following Christ is to lead to imitation which is a transformation into the images of Christ Crucified. Such imitation should lead one to become an example of Christ for others. Following Christ, therefore, is decisively communal in that following of Christ is not only an immediate interior relationship with Christ, but it is also a relationship with those who imitate Christ. Clare, therefore, develops the Pauline notion of imitation. In this respect, the gospel is preached not by word but in deed, in the imitator off Christ and in the Christic community. |
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