The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. — Psalm 105:8

Mass Readings: Exodus 3:13-20 / Matthew 11:28-30 

Lily of the Mohawks 

Kateri Tekakwitha (1656-1680) was one of those who “labor and are burdened.” Her parents died in a smallpox epidemic, which left Kateri scarred and partially blind, and she was taken in by her uncle. Her life changed when she learned of the Christian religion from Jesuit missionaries. 

Kateri was very devout in her new faith. She prayed before small crosses she carved in the trees and she vowed never to marry. But her new practices angered her uncle and eventually she traveled 200 miles through the woods to reach a settlement of other Christians. Imagine! She was a handicapped 20-year-old who had been dependent on her uncle since early childhood, yet she left all that she knew and traveled alone in order to live her Christian faith. Surely, Jesus gave her rest which the world could not.  

Prayer: Blessed Kateri, pray for us as we strive to practice our faith.