Amid life’s struggles, God still offers us opportunities to practice our Christian convictions. While many of Jesus’ disciples claimed his teachings were too difficult to accept, Jesus, convinced of the truth, continued to teach them without mincing words. Hence, they abandoned him, but Peter said, “Lord to whom shall we go? you have the message of eternal life.” This same Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, brought health and life to Aeneas and Dorcas, a very generous woman of faith in the first reading, leading many people to believe more in Christ. Peter’s conviction which he received from Jesus, became a source of confidence for other believers. Our conviction in Christ’s word should order our lives and affect those who encounter us daily. St. Catherine, whom we celebrate today, was an example of a strong person of faith and conviction who, filled with love for the Church, although with poor health, strove to keep the Church united in doctrine and practice. How do we struggle with our faith and conviction in God despite the distractions we face daily?

PRAYER: Lord, teach me to be steadfast and practice my Christian belief in faith and convictions always, Amen.