My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, may the Lord give you peace. On this Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, we are reminded of the power of faith, courage, and how her interactions with the papacy of her day can shed light on our current situation here in Rome with the papacy, to which she had a particular interest and calling, and how we can learn from her boldness and audacity as participating members of the Body of Christ – the Church.
In the First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we see a powerful image of the early Christian community where each believer was "of one heart and mind." This unity is beautifully underscored by their radical generosity. The believers shared all things in common, to the point that no one was in need. This was not merely a social or economic arrangement but a profound expression of their faith—an embodiment of the love and grace they received from Jesus. They were living out Christ's teachings, but more importantly, his spirit, for in being thus loved by him, they felt impelled to love one another. This shows us that to truly live the communal charity which Jesus calls us to, we must first immerse ourselves in a loving relationship with him. For this we need to be born anew, seeking to live by the spirit, rather than by the dictates of the flesh. What an awesome challenge this is for each of us, and a continual work in progress!
In the Gospel reading from John, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about the need for spiritual rebirth. He uses the imagery of the wind, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit moves in ways beyond our understanding—guiding, transforming, and renewing us. This is pertinent also when it comes to healing the wounds and divisions among us who desire to follow our Lord wholeheartedly. To be people of forgiveness, mercy and unity, we need to be led by the Holy Spirit.
Saint Catherine, known for her boldness and her deep relationship with Christ, acted as a bridge in a time of strife within the Church, particularly during the Avignon papacy. With her unwavering faith, she engaged with Pope Gregory XI and urged him to return to Rome, advocating for a Church that is in close communion with her people, and emphasizing the need for purity of heart among the clergy.
In a similar way, as we enter a time of transition with the upcoming conclave following the death of Pope Francis, we are called to reflect on our own roles in nurturing a community "of one heart and mind." We as your priests and shepherds need to ask ourselves how the abuse scandals, for example, have wounded the unity of the Body of Christ and shattered the faith that many once professed, but as a result – abandoned. It is a reminder to us priests of how much our personal striving for holiness matters, and what a huge effect it can have on people, including our superiors, bishops, and yes, even the Cardinals themselves who are now faced with considering how to protect God’s truth and the unity he calls us to. Saint Catherine's example shows us the power of personal witness and the courage required to speak truth to authority—a reminder that each of us is called to be an active force for good within the Church.
As we await the election of a new pope, we can draw inspiration from Catherine's example to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, not just for the cardinals who will elect him, but also for our own hearts to discern how God is speaking to each of us through all that is unfolding. We must ask ourselves: Are we ready to support a Church that embodies unity, humility, and compassion? Are we listening to the Spirit moving within our own communities, calling us to share our resources and care for the marginalized, just as the early Christians did? Are we ready to be more reverent, championing all that is sacred and that pertains to God? Are we ready to speak truth to any authority, especially politicians who function only within a self-serving capacity so as to accrue personal wealth? There are many things to consider, but most of all, how none of it will make sense without a deep encounter
with Christ. Saint Catherine reminds us that without prayer, all efforts, all attempts at goodness and holiness will be futile. As Jesus himself said to the apostles, his first bishops and Saint Peter among them, the first pope: “Without me, you can do nothing.” Everything hinges on our reverent, and pure communication with our Lord.
Let us pray for the intercession of Saint Catherine of Siena, that we may embody her spirit of faithful witness, and be stirred into action for unity and compassion that Christ calls us to, only once we ourselves allow him to make us whole from within.
May the Lord bless you, and keep you and touch your heart in a very special way today. Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
Amen.
Add comment
Comments