God's Messengers

"Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it." (Jn 13: 16-17). This verse perfectly fits St. Catherine of Siena, whose Memorial we keep today. Her early years were spent in contemplation as a recluse in her own home, much to the chagrin of her parents. This period allowed her to gain self-knowledge as well as the ability to hear clearly the voice of God and to act on it. When she emerged from this phase of her growth, she became a powerful and fearless witness to and messenger of God's Word. She mediated between warring cities, defended the Pope, even convincing him to return to Rome from Avignon, and tried her best to stave off the Great Western Schism. Her writings show a brilliant mind with a such a deep grasp of theology, that Pope Paul VI declared her a Doctor of the Church in 1970. She stands as an example to us today, to develop our contemplative side in order to become more effective witnesses and messengers. With St. Catherine, let us pray in her own words:
"O Eternal God, receive the sacrifice of my life in this Mystical Body of Holy Church. I have nothing to give except what Thou hast given me."
Bro. Rene