Psalm 36:5-10

 5 Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,
and your faithfulness to the clouds.

Your righteousness is like the strong mountains,
your justice like the great deep;
you save both man and beast, O LORD.

How priceless is your love, O God!
your people take refuge under the shadow of your wings.

They feast upon the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from the river of your delights.

For with you is the well of life,
and in your light we see light.

Continue your loving-kindness to those who know you,
and your favor to those who are true of heart.


From the Great Cloud of Witnesses:

Catherine of Siena was born in Italy in 1347, during the time of a devastating plague, the Black Death, which swept through Europe killing over 1/5 of the population. At the age of 21, she had a vision which led her to join the Dominican order (a teaching order) and she began to minister to the poor and those afflicted with the plague. Catherine sought not only to bring healing to the poor and sick, but to the church as well. The church was in a state of confusion as two, and sometimes three, men claimed the right to lead the church. Catherine stepped boldly into this debate, spoke truth to leaders and sought to bring about a reconciliation. In her humility she tried in vain to bring an end to the arrogance and power of the church. Although she was not successful, her life of service and her quest for unity stands as an example in church history.

For further information: http://www.infionline.net/~ddisse/siena.html

Collect:

Everlasting God, you so kindled the flame of holy love in the heart of blessed Catherine of Siena, as she meditated on the passion of your Son our Savior, that she devoted her life to the poor and the sick, and to the peace and unity of the Church: Grant that we also may share in the mystery of Christ's death, and rejoice in the revelation of his glory; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.