Memorial of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin
Have you ever been so angry or frustrated that you felt like you could spit nails? The anger might be at yourself, an event or even a grave injustice done against you. Sometimes, those moments of anger, cause us to lash out or take sides. Positions that we arrive at in anger may be deserved and even just, however often they can be harsh as well. Harshness is not necessarily a bad thing if it makes a point.
In the first reading from Isaiah, we sense the harsh stand that God is taking in order to teach the people of Israel a lesson for their infidelities. The prophet Isaiah is explaining that the Lord does not wish ill upon the people of Israel, nor is the Lord willing to sit on the sidelines, while Israel grows even more “impious.” God is willing to allow the Assyrians to “tread down” the people of Israel, like the mud of the streets.” (Is 10:6b)
The harsh tone of Isaiah only moderates slightly in today’s psalm. Its words echo the expectations and chastisement of the Lord toward those who do not live the law of the Lord. The challenge is tempered with a reminder that those who are “upright of heart” will not be abandoned by the Lord.
It is in the gospel reading from Matthew that the contrasting sides are merged together in way more palatable to our modern religious sensibilities. As it is today’s gospel is a peaceful section in the midst of some tough words of Jesus. So what has been coming to me in these readings seems to shine in the words, hidden from the wise and the learned “you have revealed them to the childlike.” (Mt 11:25) As a child we were given punishments for bad behavior, most of which we did reluctantly. Still after the punishment was accomplished we often went right back to playing without much grousing. I find as an adult, wise and learned my resilience is less forthcoming.
In no way am I implying a cause and effect relationship between the bad things that happen in our life and God’s wrath. I am only suggesting that sometimes a more childlike view of the tough things in our life might help us have a more level approach to God’s quiet or not quiet calls to change. Watch a child at play today. Look at their wonder and awe approach to creation. How could that spirit help you to persist in belief of Lord? Then your words can be more like Kateri’s last words were said to be "Jesus, I love You!"
-Michael Montgomery