Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Catherine of Siena, V.D. (29th April, 2020) on the Gospel
and the Memorial
Acts 8:1-8;
Ps 65:1-7. (R. v. 1);
Jn 6:35-40.
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: Unless one believes.
Today’s gospel started from the last verse of yesterday’s
gospel (Jn 6:35). Jesus said to the people
that whoever comes to Him will not be driven away in accordance with the will
of He who sent Him. He explained the will of His Father,
...that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me,
but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all
who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them
up on the last day.
The problem is neither in the will of the Father nor in the one
whom He sent. Jesus said to the people, “But I said to you that you have seen
me and yet do not believe.”
Different parts of the world still witness good number of
people in churches. However, the problem remains lack of faith both in God the
Father and in the Son whom He has sent. Hence we continue to pursue shadows.
And sad enough all these shadows will all come to an end one day, cf. 1Cor 13:8-12. And it is impossible for
anyone to please God without faith, cf. Heb
11:6. We know the fate of anyone who does not believe in God: “He who
believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already,
because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God” (Jn 3:18). We ought to imitate St
Catherine of Siena who put her trust in God alone.
Bible Reading: Heb 11:1-7.
Thought for today: What holds you from believing?
Let us pray: Lord, we believe; please help our
unbelief! – Amen (cf. Mk 9:24).
Saint Catherine of Siena – Pray for
us.
You are free to share this reflection with
others if you consider it worthy.
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