Memorial of
Saint Catherine of Siena
April 29, 2026

I Came Into the World As Light
Acts 12:24-13:5a  |  John 12:44-50

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Today's Readings

Acts 12:24-13:5a The word of God continued to spread and grow. The community at Antioch was fasting and worshipping when the Holy Spirit said: Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work I have called them to. They laid hands on them and sent them off. So, they set out on their first missionary journey.

John 12:44-50 Jesus cried out: whoever believes in me believes in the One who sent me. I came as light into the world so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. I did not come to condemn the world but to save it. My Father's commandment is eternal life.

Today's Thread: Be who you are meant to be, and you will set the world on fire.

Saint Catherine of Siena is credited with one of the most quoted lines in Catholic mysticism: "Be who you are meant to be, and you will set the world on fire. She wrote those words as a woman with no formal education, no political power, and no institutional authority, and she ended up directing popes.

Today's Gospel carries the same fire: Jesus came as light into the world. He came as light, fully, completely, without apology. Catherine lived the same way.

Living It Today:

The Holy Spirit sent Barnabas and Saul out from a community that was fasting and praying. The mission began in worship, and then the light spread like wildfire. Before you go out today, sit in the overflowing love of the Holy Spirit for a moment. Let the Spirit send you, rather than going on your own initiative.

St. Catherine is a Doctor of the Church, one of only four women to hold that title. She wrote thousands of letters, negotiated the return of the papacy to Rome, and counseled kings. And she was a laywoman. You do not need a title to set the world on fire.

Something to sit with today:

Jesus says He came not to condemn, but to save. Is there anyone in your life you have been treating with condemnation rather than light? How might Catherine counsel you to approach that person?

The community sent Barnabas and Saul off after much prayer and fasting. Is there someone in your life right now who needs to be sent out, encouraged, commissioned, prayed over, and released to what God is calling them towards? What would it mean for you to lay hands on them and let them go?


Rosary Man Jim 🌹

Location: Tonawanda, NY 14150, USA

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