Food for the Journey – 4/29/2021

You may have heard the phrase, “be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” This quote is attributed to Catherine of Siena, a lay woman of the 14^th century. Catherine saw no use in settling for false peace, and spent her life speaking up for political and church reform. Through prayer, she realized that love of God is impossible without truly loving your neighbor and yourself.  Rooting herself in God’s love gave her the power to speak boldly and to truly become who God called her to be. She died on this day, April 29.  As we, people of faith, seek to transform the world through the power of God’s love, there is value in contemplating the lives of people like Catherine who spoke for peace in the midst of conflict.

God of hope, kindle in your people that same flame of love that burned brightly in Catherine. By your Holy Spirit, give us the courage to speak up for the oppressed and downtrodden. Guide us as we walk your path of peace. Through Christ, we pray. Amen.