Recent Sermon Series: Jesus Said "My Food..."
Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300–1350 examines an exceptional moment at the dawn of the Italian Renaissance and the pivotal role of Sienese artists—including Duccio, Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti, and Simone Martin.
At the Met, till Jan 26, 2025
My Food Is to Do the Will of Him Who Sent Me and to Finish His Work (John 4:34)
The food that Jesus speaks of is not physical food, but doing the will of God. Jesus finds spiritual nourishment and energy in obedience to God’s will. His priority is fulfilling God’s mission, and he places spiritual matters above physical needs.
This sermon series on “My Food” has likely explored the concept of spiritual nourishment and how it sustains us in our Christian walk. The message that “doing the will of God is [Jesus’] food” can be applied practically in our lives.
The relevance of this message to St. Catherine of Siena, a figure who famously subsisted on the Eucharist alone, was underscored by Rev. Joseph Pang’s dedication of three consecutive sermons to her example. This dedication highlights the profound significance of her life and teachings, especially in light of the current special exhibition at The Met “Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300 – 1350.” St. Catherine’s life is a powerful testament to the transformative power of spiritual nourishment and its ability to sustain us even without physical food. Her example challenges us to reconsider our priorities and to seek more profound spiritual connections in our lives.
For St. Catherine, this wasn’t merely a philosophical ideal but a lived reality. Her actions, driven by an unwavering commitment to God’s will, were her sustenance. Her spiritual connection was so profound that physical food became secondary. This echoes the core message of the “My Food” series, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from aligning our lives with God’s purpose.
(The painting depicts the mystic marriage of Saint Catherine of Siena, a prominent 14th-century Dominican tertiary, mystic, and Doctor of the Church. According to her hagiography:
Saint Catherine of Siena experienced a mystical vision in which she was betrothed to Christ, symbolizing her deep spiritual union with Him. In the vision, Christ placed a ring on her finger, which was visible only to her. This event marked her complete devotion to Christ and her role as a bride of Christ.)