Memorial of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin

Today's Mass Readings

We all like having a clear path. We like knowing yes or no, this way or that way, right or wrong. Certainty is a human desire that we try to fulfill, and when that certainty is thwarted, we often react negatively. This is true in human affairs and affairs of faith. To accomplish this certainty, we ask for signs.

Unlike most of our experiences, Moses receives such a sign of certainty—I have called you to go to my people and rescue them. There was no doubt, this mysterious burning bush spoke and performed miracles. We are told by Jesus in the gospel, “for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.” But, we might say, “I’ve not had anything revealed to me. Does that mean am I not one of the childlike?”

What we can learn from this is that children have a simple faith and trust, you tell them something, and they accept, “Santa is real.” “Okay.” Do we do that with God’s word and will for us? Do we see the plain and straightforward signs in front of us? Do we trust them? We must be willing to allow the simple acts of God and our lives to teach us and help us: is what we are doing working? Yes or no. Is what I am doing bringing peace? Yes or no. Is what I desire to do fit God’s moral plan? Yes or no.

Reflection by Fr. Etienne Huard, OSB