It’s possible a bunch of people could receive salvation

Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.

A reflection on the daily readings, for the Memorial of St. Catherine of Siena, virgin and doctor of the church, by Father Perry.

By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

“You must be born from above.”

That’s what Jesus said, but Nicodemus had difficulty understanding this.

He asked —

“How can this happen?”

Was Jesus just using mysterious language, or trying to confuse Mr. Nic? The language was clear, but Jesus was describing a great mystery.

Imagine bouncing back and forth about earthly things and then heavenly things. But that, quite frankly, is what it is all about. And even more, when earthly things get caught up into heavenly things, we have a case like is cited in the Acts.

We are told that —

“With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.”

Painting of St. Catherine of Siena (Siena Cathedral Choir). Photo by Sailko.

And the result was —

“There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale [they shared everything in common],/
and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.”

Was this just an ideal community or the norm? Were people actually transformed by faith and baptism and the teachings of Jesus?

Was the life of one woman, Catherine, in modern times actually transformed; and she dedicated her life as a virgin, and with wondrous knowledge became a doctor of the church?

If this could happen to a bunch of them, what could or might happen to us?