Memorial of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin
The readings at Mass this week have recounted how persons have left their families and homes and ended up dwelling in a foreign land. Jacob left his parents (Isaac and Rebekah) to live in Haran. Joseph (unwillingly) left Jacob, his father, and was taken to Egypt. St. Kateri Tekakwitha, whose memory is honored by the Catholic Church today, left her tribal home in New York to live with a Christian community near Montreal.
Kateri, the Mohawk form of Catherine, took the name after St. Catherine of Siena. She was born in 1656, but her parents and brother all died of smallpox. She herself suffered scars and poor eyesight as a result of the disease. Kateri converted to Catholicism and was baptized in 1676. She did not marry, as was the custom, but rather devoted her life to Jesus and to serving others. She died in 1680. Her quiet example and purity of life led to the Church naming her the first Native American saint in 2012.
In the readings at Mass today God encourages Jacob (Israel), and Jesus encourages his apostles, not to be afraid when they journey from home. Kateri, too, was called to have courage. God promises to be with people who place their trust in Him. And God was with each of them. God does not promise, however, that the journey will be easy.
Reflection by Br. Jacob Kubajak, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections