Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day, because I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. So what I say, I say as the Father told me.”
REFLECTION
I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak.
St. Catherine of Siena was a simple laywoman with no formal education, but was an Italian mystic, Dominican tertiary and Doctor of the Church. She became one of the most influential voices in the Church, guiding popes, reconciling factions, and calling people back to truth. Her most influential writing was The Dialogue.
She is known for her profound spiritual writings, political influence in returning the Papacy to Rome --writing more than 300 letter to Gregory XI to return the papacy from Avignon to Rome and worked to heal the Western Schism.
She worked tirelessly among the plague stricken poor and prisoners as an act of love for Jesus.
She was bold, not remaining silent in the face of confusion or corruption. Instead, rooted deeply in prayer, she spoke with clarity and courage. The more she loved God, the more she loved His Church—and the more she was willing to fight for its renewal.
Catherine often spoke of being “consumed” by God’s love.
She understood that to follow Christ meant to give everything—her comfort, her reputation, even her health. And yet, she radiated joy, because her identity was not rooted in the world, but in belonging to God.
In our own lives, do we hesitate to speak truth, or even speak up when wrong is being done or if the topic makes us uncomfortable or unpopular? Sometimes feeling unqualified or insignificant we fear or fail to speak up.
The Father desires a willing heart, one that listens, trusts, and responds.
Her famous words “Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire.” remind us of all that we can do with the Lord.
Can we speak truth with love? Do we trust that God can work through us, even in our weakness? Will God open our hearts to speak His Word to others?
It is surprising that even our small life can have a tremendous impact if we allow God to speak through us and always do His Will.
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