Memorial of Saint
Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin
(Isaiah 26:7-9.12.16-19; Matthew 11:28-30)
St. Kateri Tekakwitha was the first Native American born in
the present United States to be canonized a saint. When her Mohawk people were persecuted in
what is now upstate New York, she became a refugee to Canada. There she devoted herself to God by caring
for others. She followed the way to
sanctity which today’s readings outline.
In the first reading Isaiah recognizes that left on their
own humans achieve on the whole little of value. He says that writhing in pain, they only give
birth to the wind. It may be explained that
they either pursue material goods which render illusory happiness or, in
striving for spiritual goals, they may end with a self-satisfaction that
undermines their achievements. Humans
will achieve salvation only when they submit to the Lord’s ways of humility and
love. Jesus highlights this message as
he invites all to take on his “yoke,” that is, his rule of life.
In an age when athletes regularly cheat to win medals, it
is difficult to practice the humility that Jesus embodies. We may feel that we pursue it almost alone. We need to recognize not only saints like
Kateri Tekakwitha who have gone before us but also many good people sitting
beside us in church who consistently put others first. In conforming themselves to Christ, they give
witness to his saving the world.
