Chapter XI: Catherine's Hesitation and Triumphs

Wednesday, December 12, 2012
or 12/12/12!

Catherine of Siena by Sigrid Undset
Chapter XI

Two moments in this chapter, which was more about Catherine's growing flock and triumph including a time she completely shut down to learned men who came to show her up (actually, multiple men with various versions of going to shut this unlearned, upstart woman down more or less bluntly spoken).

The first was a description of one of her followers as a poet.  Because I thought from the start of the description of him as a poet and a talented one that we were going to hear a tale of another kind of worldly love gone wrong.  It turns out, Catherine did not change his nature to a penitent robbed of worldly poetry.

Grace does not change our inner nature but perfects it.  I stand corrected, Undset.  Catherine saw worth in this person and only tried to keep him aware of God's presence during his melancholia periods.

The second was the story of a family who tried to bring a possessed daughter to Catherine.  And Catherine fled from them.  Undset says that many of Catherine's biographers have tried to stress her humility when they tell this story, but Undset, like me, seems to see something very comforting and inspiring in that there was still something for Catherine to fear - to hesitate.  There were still costs that she was paying.  She still felt what she was giving up in her calling.

And, of course, it makes sense that all things of this world seems like tissue paper for her and God to wipe aside, but she still feared those who would weaken her soul for its frequent trips toward God.  She still feared the temptations, she still feared being pulled back down to earth.  It was a continual struggle, for all she was constantly victorious through the grace of God.

When great deeds pile as high and as fast as Catherine's do, it can be easy to forget what each one costs.  It can be easy to think that there is nothing that can frighten her.

I also love it because, eventually, the couple goes to her confessor Fra Tommaso at this time, and he brings the girl to Catherine.  When instructed by her confessor and spiritual director, to whom she had sworn obedience, Catherine helped to save the girl and proved just how difficult the work would be.  Sometimes, even the saints need others to help them, to push them, to guide them, and to help them find the strength they need to do what is right.

We all need others' help sometimes, even saints.