"She who gropes her way" is an English translation of the second name of today's saint, Kateri Tekakwitha. That terrible name was given to her because an outbreak of smallpox left Kateri orphaned, scarred and visually impaired when she was 4 years old. But smallpox did not stop her from pursuing her faith. Being baptized at the age of 20 led to St. Kateri being persecuted by the remainder of her family. A priest helped her flee to a Jesuit mission in Montreal - a 200 mile journey alone and on foot. St. Kateri lived a solitary life of prayer and penance there, becoming known for her great sanctity, virtue and love for Christ. She died in 1680 at the young age of 24. St. Kateri was canonized in 2012 as the first Native American saint. A portrait of her can be seen in the Conti Street side of the Cathedral ceiling, the second image from the front of the church.
Today's gospel at Mass contains this verse: "Behold I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves." (Matthew 10:16) Here is what Claire J. King wrote about this verse in today's meditation found in Living with Christ:
"Jesus, the consummate teacher, chose the memorable combination of two extremes to emphasize his point, saying that we must possess the characteristics of both: shrewdness and simplicity. Jesus refuses to let Christians view the world as 'us vs. them,' sheep and wolves. Sheep can't live in the world of wolves. But doves can. Snakes can. Doves can fly above the pack, and snakes can burrow below ground and share their space. I'm guessing some of us are more snake and others, more dove. Let us pray for the gifts of holy shrewdness and simplicity alike, in perfect balance, as our Savior taught us."
I hope to see you at the Cathedral at Mass this weekend. Join us at the Portier House after the 10:30 Mass for coffee and donuts.
God Bless, Father Bill