"I Caterina, servant and slave of God's servants, am writing to encourage you in the precious blood of God's Son.
I long to see you so strong and filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit who came upon the holy disciples, that God's gentle Word will be able to grow and bear fruit in you and in your neighbors as well.
After the fire of the Holy Spirit descended on them they mounted the pulpit of the blazing cross, where they felt and tasted the hunger of God's Son, his love for humankind.
Their words came forth as does a red-hot knife from a furnace, and with its heat they pierced their listeners to the heart and cast out devils. Since they had lost themselves, they saw not themselves but only God's glory and honor and our salvation.
So,... I beg you -- it is my will in Jesus Christ -- make your home in the pulpit of the cross. There be engulfed, lose yourself completely, with insatiable desire. Draw the red-hot knife and strike the devils, seen and unseen, who want to continually disturb your conscience by nipping people's fruit in the bud. Don't give in to this wicked devil -- especially now, when it is time for harvesting and sowing. Tell the devil to deal with me instead of with you! Forward then, courageously!"
-- Saint Catherine of Siena
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