Book Review: Sacred Companions, Sacred Community

Sacred Companions, Sacred Community: Reflections with Clare of Assisi
by Megan Don
IN: iUniverse, 2008

St. Clare of Assisi has long lived in the shadow of her counterpart, St. Francis. Her life and thought have often been interpreted only through the lens of her close relationship with Francis. In recent years, however, the study of Clare has begun to come into its own. Clare was indeed an intelligent and radical woman in her own right who has much to teach us about our relationship with God and others.

"Sacred Companions, Sacred Community: Reflections with Clare of Assisi" by Megan Don is not so much a study of her life or mission as it is a reflection on some of her thought. Don's focus is largely on how Clare can help us integrate the sacred into our relationships with others. Don designed this book to be used by individuals, small groups, or larger community groups. Meditations on each theme are offered for each constituency.

Each reflection is brief and focuses on a different aspect of Clare's teaching or example. The reflections are loosely grouped in five sections, one for each of the five senses through which we come to know and experience other people. A final section concentrated on the mystical union that can occur when all the senses are engaged and focused on both God and the other.

St. Clare, through Don's interpretation and reflection, offers a very earthly spirituality. It is firmly grounded in the experience of people as embodied individuals. Clare and Don also emphasize the importance of keeping love: love of God, love of the other, and love of ourselves, at the forefront of all of our relationships. That is an important lesson for all of us.