Memorial of Kateri
Tekakwitha, virgin
(Exodus 2:1-15a; Matthew 11:20-24)
Kateri Tekakwitha’s life was short but hard. At the age of four her family contracted
smallpox which left her both orphaned and physically impaired. In becoming a Christian she was rejected by
the Iroquois tribe among whom she grew up in what is now New York State. She immigrated to the indigenous Christian
community near Montreal. There she might
have chosen resentment for all the troubles she experienced. Instead she devoted herself to God and
concern for others. She can be seen as a
model of the conversion which Jesus desires in the gospel today.
Jesus laments the towns of Galilee where he has worked
wonders to no avail. Despite his cures, the
people go on with life as usual. They
refuse to respond to the wonder of God’s mercy shown in His servant Jesus. Jesus cannot but regret their obtuseness. The woes he makes are expressions of
condemnation for their refusal to change themselves to live in accordance with
God’s loving mercy.
The change that Jesus calls for is not that we begin to
pray all the time although that would be most helpful. He wants us to change our hearts, to live with
compassion for others and not in constant judgment. He wants us to imitate the very goodness of
God.
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