Embracing the Agony and the Ecstasy

St. Clare of Montefalco and the Cross of Christ

The heavenly bridegroom left the heavenly chambers, with the presage of the nuptials before him. He came to the marriage bed of the cross, a bed not of pleasure, but of pain, united himself with the woman, and consummated the union forever. St. Augustine

Celebrating the Exaltation of the Cross this year has caused me to pause and ponder anew St. Augustine’s description of the cross as the Bridegroom’s marriage bed. In my meditation, I keep coming back to the truth that with Christ the heavenly Bridegroom the agony and the ecstasy are inseparably intertwined. The ecstasy of the Resurrection, the ecstasy of complete union with our souls, and the ecstasy of victory over evil were inseparable from the agony of the cross.

As spiritual brides of the heavenly Bridegroom, we must accept the agonies inherent in this land of exile if we are to know the ecstasies of complete union with our Beloved. In imitation of our Bridegroom, we too can embrace our cross with our eyes firmly fixed on the glory yet to come.

…let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross… Hebrews 12:1-2

The Lord in His loving-kindness led me to the discovery of a saint whose story and intercession have helped me in my struggles to embrace the marriage bed of the Cross. St. Clare of Montefalco, also known as St. Clare of the Cross, lived in Italy not far from the town of Assisi in the 13th century. At the age of 6, Clare was sent to live in the convent of Saint Illuminata, where her sister Jane was the superior. After the death of her sister, when Clare was about thirty years old, she was chosen to be the superior. Clare was granted many extraordinary graces including: converting sinners, reconciling neighboring warring towns, driving out demons, foretelling future events, healing the sick, and raising the dead.

Her heavenly Bridegroom gave Clare the gift of spiritual ecstasies. It is said that one of these ecstasies lasted for two weeks and afterwards Clare described an encounter with Christ to her sisters. She said that she had met Christ as a beggar dragging His cross behind Him. She asked Him where He was going and He replied, “I am looking for a place strong enough in which to plant My cross.” Clare bent down to help Him carry the cross and He said to her, “Now I have found that place. It is your heart, Clare. May I plant My cross in your heart?” Without hesitation, Clare gave her consent.

One of the miracles of Clare’s life is a result of her willingness to say yes to the cross of Christ and to experience the agony and the ecstasy simultaneously. After her death on August 17, 1308, her religious sisters had an autopsy done of her heart. In each of the four chambers of her heart there were found symbols of Christ’s Passion: His Cross, Crown of Thorns, 3 nails, and a scourge.

The life of St. Clare of the Cross is rich with spiritual fruit and merits reflection. I offer for you two prayers that I have received in my pondering of the inseparable nature of the agony and the ecstasy that her story beautifully illustrates.

St. Clare of the Cross, pray for me and with me. By the grace of God may Jesus find in my heart a place strong enough to plant His Cross. Teach me how to willingly say “Yes” to the agonies He calls me to so I may also have the strength and courage to experience His ecstasies. May I continue to grow in my understanding of the depths and wonders of His spousal love. Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit; I seal myself in the love of my Triune Spouse and I remember that our marriage bed is made of wood.

St. Clare of Montefalco, pray for us.

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