Memorial of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin
When I read the news, it seems there is always something about war. Indeed, at this moment, multiple wars are taking place around the world. I suppose it was not much different in ancient times. Today’s first reading describes the threat of war that the Kingdom of Judah faced from its neighbors. What can we learn from this passage in the Book of Isaiah?
King Ahaz of Judah and his people are afraid as they see their enemies preparing to attack. Through the prophet Isaiah, God encourages King Ahaz not to be afraid, for God is with Judah. However, God warns him that faith is essential: “Unless your faith is firm, you shall not be firm!” (Isaiah 7:9). In our own time, we may not be waiting for two armies to attack us, but we face many other worries and challenges. There are numerous issues confronting our society that can make the future seem bleak. Yet this reading reminds us that God is with us and that faith enables us to remember and trust in that promise.
I am reminded of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, whose feast day we celebrate today. She faced many hardships during her short life. Smallpox disfigured her face, left her nearly blind, and claimed the lives of her family when she was just four years old. After converting to Christianity, she endured threats and harassment from members of her village. As a result, she fled nearly 200 miles to a Native American Christian community. Through all of this, her faith remained steadfast, confident that God was with her.
St. Kateri is also often seen as a bridge between Indigenous and European cultures and is the patroness of ecology. At a time when our world needs greater peace and dialogue and continues to face the challenge of climate change, we can ask for her intercession while looking to her as an example of steadfast faith and hope.
—Sr. Emily Sandoval, FMI