He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them. (Psalm 99)

This verse from Psalm 99 refers to the first reading of the day, the dialogue between the Lord and the People of Israel through Moses, whose “face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord" (Exodus 34: 29). 

Let those nine days encourage us to progress – comforted by the example and intercession of Saint Clare – towards an encounter with the Lord.

We too are called to find in our prayers the ability to radiate the Light of God!

"It could be surmised from a number of clues that she drew her strength from the heart of her fervent prayer and the gentleness she felt by being familiar with the Kindness of God." Says St. Clare's biographer,  "She would get back from prayer filled with joy. The Light that had come and filled her soul shone forth through her body. She continuously craved the taste of the mysteries from above. Thus, she clung to the one unwavering power in a world of constant change. Her silent example inspired her sisters to love and praise God. There was no room for half-heartedness or laziness when it came to pray and serve God!"

Prayer

Lord, TODAY You speak to us; You desire to manifest Your Will and offer us Your Light. 

Teach us to silently listen to You, recognize Your voice, keep Your Word, and accomplish Your Will. 

Make our prayer a fervent hearth, which fills us with Your sweetness, Your Kindness, Your Light and Your Joy, So we may radiate Your Presence and Your Love to those You will put on our path today! 

Let Your face shine upon us!

Meditation of the Day

What can I do to prioritize a daily encounter with the Lord in this "world of constant change", in communion with saint Clare and the other participants of this novena?  (Where? When?  For how long? Should I meditate upon the Word of God and the life of Clare in the morning? Do I learn Psalm verses by heart, or read them throughout the day? Do I read the meditation again in the evening, and ask myself how it influenced my life experience?)