The apostle Jude’s query sticks with me: “Why reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” How is that fair? It makes me wonder why some people have the privilege of hearing the gospel at a young age, and others do not.

Today is the feast of St. Catherine of Siena. I’ve often wondered how she had such a close relationship with Jesus from her young childhood, and I did not. St. Catherine asked for much, and “set the world on fire” as a result. Perhaps the most significant difference between her and me is that she learned much sooner to ask for Christ to be with her, guide her, and love her. She asked for Christ’s help more often and in more situations.

Upon reading Fr. Ted Hesburgh’s autobiography, I started incorporating his habit of saying, “Come, Holy Spirit,” before my daily interactions and tasks. I always had the Advocate available to me. Everyone does. Everyone receives from the Holy Spirit. But I make better use of the Holy Spirit when I ask explicitly and when I remember that my ability to do the Father’s will comes from the Spirit.

We must learn to ask the one we love for everything we need, as little children do. St. Catherine learned this lesson as a little child and remained like a child in her attitude toward the Lord her whole life. I hope my children are taught well enough to do the same throughout their own lives.

Perhaps Christ allows some of us to cleave to Jesus later in life to give hope to others. For imperfect disciples like me, who remain slow to realize we need the Spirit and slow to choose the Father’s will—we need those examples too!