Living
St Catherine Of Siena
Today is the memorial feast day of St Catherine of Siena, who is considered one of the doctors of the Church. St. Catherine was a humble and prayerful woman who utilized all the gifts that God had given her in service of the Church.
She had a great influence on Pope Gregory XI to return to Rome from Avignon, France, which was considered a divine intervention because she listened to God with deep love and was open to the Holy Spirit.
The author of the Letter of John speaks of God being light in the first reading. If we walk in the light, we have all that we need. But if we walk in darkness, we walk in sin, and as one who stumbles in the dark feeling our way around, searching for something to steady ourselves.
The author also reminds us that our sins are forgiven through Jesus’ offering of his blood. During this time of Easter, it is easier to choose the light and bask in the Resurrection of Christ, knowing that we have eternal life.
The challenge arises when the joy of Easter begins to fade, and we return to old habits or move back into our comfort zone. Easter is about new life and living in that life. Just as a butterfly cannot return to the cocoon, we must not return to old habits that we worked to change over Lent.
Reflecting on the image of Christ on the cross, St. Catherine of Siena said, “The crucifix is an open book all can read. The crucifix is an infinite declaration of love.” Christ took our failures, our sufferings, and our pain upon himself. He became an outcast and a curse. He knows no corruption for God the Father raised Him from the dead. Therefore, we are saved and justified by faith in Jesus Christ.
Fr Joseph Osho
