Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin
(Isaiah 7:1-9; Matthew 11:20-24)
Today’s reading gives a classic description of faith. With the
Israel-Aram alliance threatening the Kingdom of Judah, God sends Isaiah on
mission. The prophet tells the king of
Judah not to worry, but to trust that God will defend His people. The prophecy becomes reality. The super-power Assyria smashes the alliance. But Israel will abandon trust in God as its
protector and allies itself with pagan Assyria.
In the gospel Jesus laments the lack of faith in Chorazin,
Bethsaida, and Capernaum. These cities
have witnessed his mighty deeds and yet refuse to heed his message of repentance
and belief. They cannot abide by his
preferential attention to the poor and to sinners. They refuse to repent of hypocrisy and
continue their self-affirming ways.
The lessons of Isaiah and Jesus should affect all of
us. It is tempting to put more trust in
medicine and savings for our welfare than in God. We should always look to God first for
salvation by diligent prayer and careful carrying out his will. It is our faithfulness to Him, not our status
in society, that will save us from ruin.
