Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Catherine of Siena, V.D. (29th April, 2017) on the Gospel
and the Memorial
Acts 6:1-7;
Ps 32:1-2.4-5.18-19. (R. v. 22);Jn 6:16-21.
St Catherine was born at Siena in 1347. She became a member of the
Order of St Dominic. Catherine was filled with an active love for God and
neighbour: she strove to bring peace to the quarrelling factions and cities of
Italy, and to restore the rights of the papacy, at that time in exile in
Avignon. She was a contemplative and ascetic, and her many writings are
remarkable for their spirituality and theology.[1]
Topic: Do everything with Jesus.
In today’s gospel, Jesus’ disciples left Him on the mountain
and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was dark and the wind made the sea rough
for them. They were terrified when they saw Jesus coming towards them walking
on the sea after they had rowed about three or four miles. He said to them, “It
is I; do not be afraid.”
It is very easy to conclude that the sea became rough for
Jesus’ disciples as a result of the wind. It is necessary to look beyond this.
The gospel also tells us that it was dark. We remember the words
of Jesus, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in
darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn 8:12). Again, everything obeys Jesus not excluding the wind and the
sea, cf. Mk 4:41; Matt 8:27; Lk 8:25.
It is evident that their primarily problem was their leaving Jesus on the
mountain while crossing the sea. Hence, the wind and the sea could not obey
them. We must also remember His words, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He
who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from
me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5).
How often do we remember to involve Jesus as we embark on
everything? Sometimes, some only remember Him when things are really bad. Whoever
wants his/her journey to be truly assured must involve Jesus from its very beginning
to its very end. He is ever ready to help us. Saint Catherine of Siena, a contemplative
and ascetic, showed us a good example.
Bible Reading: Jn 15:1-17.
Thought for today: Do everything with Jesus.
Let us pray: Lord, help us always to know how
vulnerable we are without you – Amen.
Saint Catherine of Siena – Pray for us.
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others if you consider it worthy.
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May
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