Today is the feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the Native American maiden who lived and died in Upstate NY and Canada. It is a special day when we remember how this simple girl, afflicted with physical problems and what we would categorize as child abuse today, reached the heights of sanctity in her own unique way.
I can see why in today's liturgy the Gospel is the familiar one from Mark 11:28 - 30 -- "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." After much suffering, ridicule and hardship, St. Kateri is enjoying eternal happiness.
Sometimes while on earth, we miss the point that this is just a place we are passing through. I know that there are times I hem and haw about an inconvenience, illness or problem that may come my way. It can be annoying and disappointing when my plans do not work out. I can easily think that this world is all there is. Kateri and other saints can help me to regroup and re-center my priorities. They have lived and died inwardly, while on earth, to the human condition that can be so trying. They truly lived Resurrection Spirituality by transforming suffering into prayer and an opportunity to become closer to God and others.
St. Kateri, thank you for your life's lesson. Pray for us that we may regroup and re-center when we forget the glory promised those who carry their cross with love and follow him to the end.
That is definitely what our life on earth is all about!
I can see why in today's liturgy the Gospel is the familiar one from Mark 11:28 - 30 -- "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." After much suffering, ridicule and hardship, St. Kateri is enjoying eternal happiness.
Sometimes while on earth, we miss the point that this is just a place we are passing through. I know that there are times I hem and haw about an inconvenience, illness or problem that may come my way. It can be annoying and disappointing when my plans do not work out. I can easily think that this world is all there is. Kateri and other saints can help me to regroup and re-center my priorities. They have lived and died inwardly, while on earth, to the human condition that can be so trying. They truly lived Resurrection Spirituality by transforming suffering into prayer and an opportunity to become closer to God and others.
St. Kateri, thank you for your life's lesson. Pray for us that we may regroup and re-center when we forget the glory promised those who carry their cross with love and follow him to the end.
That is definitely what our life on earth is all about!
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