The Vision that Began it All
Let Him kiss me with the kisses of HIs mouth! Your love is more delightful than wine. (Song of Songs 1:2)
St. Catherine of Siena’s astounding spiritual life didn’t begin with education, theological degrees, or social prestige. It began in the heart—the open heart, the childlike heart, a heart unafraid to receive love and longing to love in return.
At the age of six, Caterina was infused with a mystical vision that filled her soul with the richness of Christ’s love. When walking home from her elder sister’s house one evening, she beheld an amazing vision of Christ and His saints above San Domenico basilica, the church located just a few paces from her home. This is how I describe the scene in World Between Worlds, my novel on the life of St. Catherine of Siena. From Caterina’s point of view:
Waiting silently, I suddenly looked up into the sky. Within the splashing fresco of the late afternoon sun I saw things that shouldn’t be glimpsed, at least not with bodily eyes. Indeed, I didn’t see in the same way I gaze at a grape or olive, my mother’s chiding smile or Papà’s dye-stained fingertips. Instead, I envisioned with my soul, so deep it’s impossible to explain with words limited by tongue and intellect. A spread of light stretched across the sky above the basilica, distinct from the sunset yet mingling with the clouds in such a way that no one would notice, unless they saw from within. A breath whispered, halted, whispered again: a message from the Spirit, implanted directly above my soul, ready to descend.
There was the Christ, clothed in transfigured white, as stunning as a beam of late-day sun through a recalcitrant cloud. In His left hand He held a crozier, a sign of benediction, a crook of protection. Behind Him I could sense a presence, or rather several, as if a spiritual army stood at the ready, prepared to fight any demons that may attack.
The vision was there, in my soul, in the twist of cloud and expanse of clear sky as it overwhelmed the red bricks of San Domenico, spraying the valley below with supernatural graces. I felt as if I, too, had received this blessing, as if I, too, were being baptized anew by this shuddering light. It pierced my bodily eyes, the sun nearly too fervent as it descended; it pierced my soul, again too bright, but delicious in its dazzling discomfort.
I allowed the message to descend, infusing my soul. I could see nothing else; I could hear no sound. There was only Christ, and He alone.
Divine fire was ignited within Caterina’s heart. No words, no profound mystical revelations were relayed during this vision. Rather, it was the sheer glory of Christ, His loving presence, His desire to reveal Himself and awaken love in return—that was the message of the vision.
Caterina desired to love—and that was all God was asking of her.
The profound and authentic stirring of love caused her soul to rise up, restless with a tremendous desire for God’s will and the salvation of souls.
Your whole life now must always consist of desire, if you are to make progress on the level of perfection. This desire must always be shaped in your will by the hand of almighty God and with your consent.
(The Cloud of Unknowing)
St. Caterina desired to kiss her beloved Bridegroom with the kisses of her mouth. In other words, to unite her free will wholly and completely to the divine will of God—in all things, without exception or reservation. Yet getting to that profound level of spiritual intimacy was not instantaneous, nor was it easy. It took vigilance, prayer, and a continuously renewed desire to give all and be all for her divine Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.
This is something we can all aspire to. We can all be great saints, if we let Him work His grace within our souls.
Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth! Your love is more delightful than wine.
(Song of Songs 1:2)
Special Offer!
If you’re intrigued by the life of St. Catherine of Siena and want to learn more, my adaptation of her early life (part one of a two book series) is currently on sale when you purchase directly from my website.
Learn more about World Between Worlds: A Novel Based on the Early Life of Caterina, the Mystic of Siena.
You can also purchase on Amazon using my affiliate link.
