Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin & Doctor of the Church
Scripture:
Reflection:
The soul is in God and God is in the soul. God is closer to us than water is to a fish. – Saint Catherine of Siena
Today, the Church celebrates the feast day of one of the four women who are Doctors of the Church, Catherine of Siena. She was a third-order Dominican whose famous work was The Dialogue. She worked for the unity of the Church and was loyal to the pope. Her influence on Pope Gregory XI to return to Rome from Avignon, France was Divine intervention only because she listened to God with deep love and was open to the Holy Spirit.
The Chosen is a popular online series about Jesus’ life, Passion, death, and Resurrection. In the second season, Nicodemus, a visiting Pharisee, meets Jesus on a rooftop after hearing of His miracles. During their conversation, Jesus invites Nicodemus to follow Him. Nicodemus struggles with the decision due to his family and position in the Sanhedrin. Although he ultimately does not join Jesus, he leaves a bag of gold for Him. The scene ends with a saddened Nicodemus, aware of the opportunity he missed.
The scene described prompts us to consider how earthly matters can hinder our spiritual pursuits. Although the depiction from The Chosen is the interpretation of its writer and producer, it is plausible that a similar event could have transpired. Many individuals over the past 2,000 years have likely faced a comparable dilemma when deciding whether to embrace the Gospel message or persist in their current path. The invitation to follow God is continually present; He never abandons us. It is we who choose to turn away and decline the invitation, which can leave a profound impact because God’s presence resides within us.
The first reading highlights the influence of Christ’s message as demonstrated by the actions of His followers who sold their properties or houses and donated the proceeds to the Apostles. They shared all possessions and were united in “one heart and mind”. The community placed their trust in the Word and in the Apostles. This collective trust ensured that everyone’s needs were met. The Apostles recognized that God was present with them and within them. I wonder what ever happened to Nicodemus? God knows.
Linda Schork is a theology teacher at Saint Xavier High School in Louisville, Kentucky.