My husband and I just returned from celebrating our 30th anniversary with a trip in Italy. A beautiful trip to a scenic country to say the least! One of the places we visited was the city of Siena. I was reminded of the writings of a wonderful and dear saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) who was a prominent citizen of that town. Born into a poor, but devout Catholic family during a time of class feuds and religious wars, Catherine had a unique sense of Christ’s love from an early age. At eighteen she became a Dominican nun and began to live in solitude and silence, going out of her room only for mass.

At age 21, she returned to her family and spent much of her life helping the poor and serving as a nurse in homes and hospitals. Her fame quickly spread from the poor beggars to powerful popes, yet she was able to maintain a deep devotion to God. Her writings are penetrating and deep as they spoke of an intimate and loving relationship with Christ. Here is a short excerpt.
“How foolish and blind are those who choose to cross through the water when the road has been built for them! This road is such a joy for those who travel on it that it makes every bitterness sweet for them, and every burden light. Though they are in the darkness of the body, they find light; and though they are mortal they find life without death. For through love and the light of faith they taste eternal Truth, with the promise of refreshment in return for the weariness they have borne for me.”

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Catherine found her all in all in Him, and we can do the same. Let us walk with Christ, moment by moment each day, loving Him more deeply and finding our joy and comfort in Him.