Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. How appropriate that we should hear these Gospel words today, as the Church celebrates Catherine of Siena! For Catherine is one who loved our Lord deeply, who kept his word faithfully, and who experienced the indwelling of God within her soul.
From a certain perspective, it can be daunting to look at the life of a woman like Catherine. She was one who spent herself utterly in the service of Love: she cared for the sick and the dying, reconciled warring factions, admonished Popes and cardinals, and taught her family of followers to grow in love and virtue. The holiness and labors of such a great saint may seem beyond the reach of most of us.
And yet: each one of us is called and invited to offer ourselves completely in the service of Love, just as Catherine was. Although the manner of her witness may be extraordinary, the dynamic of love is the same: every Christian is called to keep the word of our Lord, and we are each offered the same Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will teach us everything.
Today, then, let us consider the call to love the Lord and keep his word. And let us pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit who illuminates the heart of the saints and who desires to illuminate our hearts as well.