Enduring to the end

Enduring to the End

In the name of Jesus Christ crucified and of gentle Mary. I Caterina, slave of the servants of Jesus Christ, am writing to you in his precious blood. I long to see you bathed and drowned in that blood, which will make you strong enough to bear with true patience any trial or trouble, from whatever source it may come. It will give you perseverance to endure even to the point of death in true humility. For in that blood the eye of your understanding will be enlightened by truth. And the truth is that God wants nothing other than that we be made holy, for he loves us indescribably much. If he had not loved us so much, he would not have paid such a price for us.

Be content then—always, everywhere, and in all circumstances—because everything is a gift of love for you from the eternal Father. Rejoice in your troubles. Consider yourself unworthy to be sent by God along his Son’s way. In everything give praise and glory to his name. Be heartened in Christ gentle Jesus. I haven’t anything else to tell you. Keep living in God’s holy and tender love. Gentle Jesus! Jesus love!

Saint Catherine of Siena