St. Catherine, a beloved daughter of St. Dominic, is one of those spiritual giants who truly lived what she preached. She was at once both a mystic and completely down to earth; a faithful friend to so many, yet never afraid to speak the truth when it was unpopular. Her spirituality was grounded in the Truth, and she possessed an audacious capacity to love her neighbor. Most of all, I think St. Catherine had a profound understanding of God’s mercy and goodness at work through His Divine Providence. Her example of personal acceptance of suffering in this life, and even a desire to suffer out of love for God, is a remarkable witness for today. It is a spiritual diamond so worthy of our contemplation. She desired nothing more than to be united to her Spouse, Christ Crucified.
Our world tells us that suffering should be eradicated. Our nature prompts us to avoid it at all costs! But faith offers a different perspective. St. Catherine knew that in order to be like Christ, we should think and desire with Him. Out of love for us, Jesus embraced His Cross, and so redeemed the world. Jesus wedded suffering to love, and through it opened the path to salvation.
In her Dialogue she records, “In my Providence, I allow the world to bring forth many troubles, both to prove one’s virtue and that I may have reason to reward them for suffering...” God may allow trouble in this world, but we can remain at peace. Our gracious God is at work for our personal good by increasing our life of grace and granting us an eternal reward. St. Catherine longed for the suffering that would draw her close to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus because she knew that it was the means by which she would be made like Him. God may not always “fix” or “prevent” a challenging situation, but He can always be trusted, because He is Good.