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St. Catherine of Siena was born in 1347 in Italy. She became a Third Order Dominican, learned to read and write, and was known for her service to the poor and her involvement in politics. St. Catherine worked for the unity of the Church and was loyal to the pope. She died on April 29, 1380, at the age of thirty-three and was later proclaimed a Doctor of the Church. Her best-known spiritual writing is The Dialogue. Her quotes, though over six hundred years old, are still relevant today and can serve as a launching pad for our personal prayer.
We all have to discern our path in life. For some, it is easier than for others. When I see what others get to do in order to be part of building God’s kingdom and compare it to my task, I sometimes feel like what I’m doing doesn’t matter. I have not published a bestseller that inspires people to pray, and I am not on the speaking circuit revving up young adults. I’m doing my thing. I have faith that it is what God desires from me and for that reason alone it is important. St. Catherine reminds me that even though it may seem insignificant, it is helping set the world on fire for God.
“Proclaim the truth, and do not be silent through fear.”
There is good reason to be afraid to speak of faith these days. It makes people uncomfortable to hear the truths proclaimed by the Catholic Church and more and more, our society is uncomfortable with being uncomfortable. Since relativism and 'you do you, I’ll do me' is the mantra of the day, it would be easy to keep silent. It would be safe. But Jesus didn’t ask us to be quiet and hang out in the background. He asked us to make disciples—and to do that, we need to speak.
Merridith Frediani | Apr 26, 2019 Ascension Press
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