Hello, friends! I am so glad you’ve joined me today for a little reflection on this beautiful Tuesday, July 14th. Today is a special day in the Church calendar as we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. If you’ve ever felt like the world was shifting under your feet: like things were just a bit too "shaky": then the readings for today are exactly what your heart needs.
We’re diving into a powerful message from the Prophet Isaiah and a challenging word from Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. Together, these scriptures show us that while life is often unpredictable, our faith doesn't have to be. We are called to an "unshakable faith," much like the faith of Saint Kateri, whom we affectionately call the "Lily of the Mohawks."
Let’s unpack this together and see how we can find our own firm ground today.
Unless Your Faith is Firm: The Wisdom of Isaiah
In our first reading today (Isaiah 7:1-9), we find King Ahaz in a bit of a panic. His kingdom is under threat, and the Bible describes his heart: and the hearts of his people: as "shaking like the trees of the forest before the wind." We’ve all been there, haven't we? That feeling of being totally overwhelmed by circumstances beyond our control.
But God sends the prophet Isaiah with a message that is both a comfort and a challenge: "Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid." And then comes the line that really hits home: "Unless your faith is firm, you shall not be firm!"
Think about that for a second. Isaiah isn't telling the King to build a bigger wall or find more soldiers. He’s telling him that his internal stability depends entirely on his trust in God. Our strength doesn't come from our own clever plans or our own power. When the world feels shaky, our only firm ground is faith.
When we try to "stand firm" on our own merits, we eventually crumble because we are human and limited. But when we stand firm in God, we are anchored to the Eternal. It’s the difference between standing on shifting sand and standing on a massive rock. Today, ask yourself: What am I standing on?
Repentance and Hope: Learning from the Gospel
Moving into the Gospel (Matthew 11:20-24), we see Jesus speaking some tough words to the towns where He had performed many of His miracles. He reproaches them because they did not repent. At first glance, this might seem a bit harsh, but if we look closer, we see it’s actually an invitation born out of deep love.
Repentance is often a misunderstood word. We sometimes think of it as just "feeling bad" or "getting in trouble." But in the Christian sense, repentance (metanoia) is a turning around. It’s about re-orienting our hearts back to the One who loves us.
When Jesus calls these towns to repent, He is offering them hope. He’s saying, "I have shown you the power of God, I have shown you healing and light: now, turn toward that light!" Repentance is an act of hope because it says, "I don't have to stay the way I am. I can be better because God is merciful."
Just as Isaiah called Ahaz to stand firm in faith, Jesus calls us to stand firm in our relationship with Him through constant conversion. It’s a daily "yes" to God’s grace.
The Lily of the Mohawks: Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
Today, we have the perfect example of this "firm faith" in Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint. Her life was anything but easy. At a young age, she lost her parents and her brother to a smallpox epidemic, which also left her face scarred and her vision impaired. She was an orphan, a survivor, and eventually, a woman of radical courage.
When she decided to follow Christ and be baptized, she faced immense pressure and even persecution from her own community. She was misunderstood and often treated as an outcast. Yet, she remained incredibly firm and simple in her love for Jesus. She didn't have political power like King Ahaz, and she didn't need "mighty works" to convince her to repent. She simply recognized the voice of the Shepherd and followed Him.
Kateri shows us that you don't need a perfect life to have a perfect faith. You don't need to be physically strong to be spiritually unshakable. Her life was a "firm foundation" because it was built entirely on the love of Christ. She is the "Lily" that blossomed in the midst of thorns, reminding us that grace can grow anywhere if the heart is willing.
Connecting to the Mission: The Society of St. Peter the Apostle
This theme of "firm faith" and the example of Saint Kateri are very close to our hearts at The Pontifical Mission Societies, specifically within the Society of St. Peter the Apostle (SPA).
You see, at SPA, we work with many "Kateris" today. In mission territories all over the world: from small villages in Africa to remote islands in Asia: there are young men and women stepping out in faith to serve their own communities. These are the future priests, sisters, and brothers of the Church.
Just like Saint Kateri, these seminarians and novices often face significant obstacles. They might come from families that don't understand their calling, or they may live in areas where being a Christian is a daily challenge. Yet, like her, they are driven by a deep desire to bring the light of Christ to their people. They want to be the "indigenous clergy" who know the language, the culture, and the needs of their neighbors.
When you support the Society of St. Peter the Apostle, you are literally helping to build that "firm foundation" of faith for the global Church.
Your spiritual and financial support provides:
- Ordinary Subsidies: Helping cover the daily needs and formation of seminarians and religious novices.
- Extraordinary Subsidies: Funding the construction and renovation of seminaries so these students have a place to study and pray.
- Scholarships: Supporting the education of future seminary formators so they can pass on a firm faith to the next generation.
By investing in these local vocations, you are ensuring that the Church isn't just a "foreign" entity, but a local, sustainable, and thriving family. You are helping the "Lilies of the Mohawks" of our own time to blossom and grow in their own soil.
When these young men and women are ordained or take their vows, they become the leaders who guide their people toward the "repentance and hope" that Jesus speaks about in the Gospel. Your generosity is what keeps their faith: and the faith of their communities: standing firm.
Reflection: Standing Firm Today
As we go about our day, let’s take a moment to reflect on our own lives.
- Is there a part of your life where you feel "unfirm" or shaky right now? Is it your health, a relationship, or perhaps your own spiritual journey?
- In those moments of shaking, where are you looking for stability? Are you like Ahaz, looking for worldly alliances, or are you like Kateri, leaning into the heart of God?
- How can you lean more into your faith today? Maybe it’s a simple prayer: "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief."
Remember, being "firm" doesn't mean you aren't afraid. It means that even when you are afraid, you choose to trust the One who says, "Be careful, keep calm, and do not fear."
Conclusion
The Psalmist tells us, "God upholds his city forever." Today, may you feel the strength of God upholding you. Whether you are facing a "shaky" situation or looking for a way to grow in your own conversion, know that you are not alone.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us!
Thank you for your amazing heart for the missions and for helping us support the growth of the Church worldwide. Every prayer and every gift helps a future priest or religious sister stand firm in their vocation.
Blessings to you all,
: Fr. ADD
About the Society of St. Peter the Apostle:
The Society of St. Peter the Apostle is one of the four Pontifical Mission Societies. Since 1889, we have been the primary Catholic organization dedicated specifically to developing indigenous clergy and religious in mission territories. We believe in sustainable, locally-led church growth. To learn more about our work and how you can support seminarians, visit our website.