Catherine of Siena was a 14th century mystic and activist. She was only six years old when she had her first vision of Jesus, along with Peter, John, and Paul.
What can she teach us, hundreds of years later, and in a time and culture where “visions” seem to be an occurrence of the past?
Catherine “spoke” to Jesus as a mystic, yet she responded with action. She was a mystic in action, basing her work on the message she received from Jesus: “Love of me and love of neighbor are one and the same thing.”
This message was to drive her entire adult life, and she used her gifts in service to others, and in questioning authority that needed to be questioned, without apology.
Can we be so bold? Are we saints yet?

April 12, 2010
What is your biggest challenge? For some it is the act of true, authentic, Christian forgiveness. We have all had something happen to us in our lives that has called us to be merciful and forgiving. Our Catholic faith calls us to this action, because Jesus modeled it for us. So what keeps us from this authentic, true, Christ-centered forgiveness for one another?
Rather than offer an opinion, let me offer another challenge that was given to me – If we don’t forgive, if we don’t truly try to be merciful to those who have done some wrong against us, then we are building walls that separate us from God’s love. Is that what we want to do?

April 5, 2010
The challenge I was presented at the Easter Vigil was, “Let the symbols speak for themselves!”
How often do we over-think, over-explain, and under-experience?
The Holy season of Easter calls us to reflect on the symbols of the cross, the empty tomb, water, fire, incense, and light.
What do these symbols say to you?
Peace – Neil