February 4 — St. Catherine de' Ricci

We found the red and ruddy sign of victory, Jesus on the Cross

Rivalry has a place as a good, It is not envy, as if someone were to keep his neighbor from the good, lest that person gets there first. Holy rivalry is a thirst for the heavenly spring to which we must hasten with great vigor. We must strive to advance without an obstacle in anyone's way. If this rivalry were in Christian hearts, how many people would come to that desired reward, which now only a few people are able to reach. My dearest children, let us so strive that we may run and obtain it. In this contest you will not be considered indifferent. The thief crucified with Jesus, though I was unprepared, was not judged to be unhappy, but rather happy. Does he not seem to you to have struggled far better than that great crowd of holy fathers who waited for their redemption for ages? For the thief, in an instant, ran swiftly to beat all the others and was worthy to be the first one at the victory, which he took away from none of those who were called to it.