"Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute." (Luke 21: 14 - 15).
Wednesday 25th November 2020, 34th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Catherine of Alexandria. (+ 310). Virgin and Martyr. African. What can we say about Catherine or what can I say about Catherine? When I got to know St Catherine a little bit, I added her to the list of my patron saints.
Catherine was well educated and articulate. No surprise because she was from the upper class of society in Alexandria, one of the foremost center of learning and culture at that time. She was courageous and fearless. She defended the faith before Emperor Maxentius. The Emperor was taken aback at the erudition and courage of the young girl. He flew into a rage and condemned Catherine to death. Catherine is the patron saint of philosophers, lawyers and preachers.
Where does the power, eloquence, wisdom of St Catherine of Alexandria come from? We don't have to look far. See the key Scripture in today's Liturgy:
"Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute." (Luke 21: 14 - 15). We see the same power and wisdom working in Peter and John, Stephen and Paul in Acts of the Apostles.
You can be the next Catherine if you let the word of God nourish you daily. If you trust in Jesus to lead you to your purpose in life. If you accept His unconditional love for you and embrace His gracious will for you.
Here is something I learned about Catherine today:
Before St Catherine was executed, she promised to obtain favors for all those who seek her intercession on personal problems. This reminds us of St Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower who promised to be a powerful intercessor in Heaven for any person who seeks her help.
"Even if you have to die, says the Lord,
keep faithful, and I will give you
the crown of life." (Revelation 2: 10).
Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com
No comments:
Post a Comment
23-Psalm1to2