Proper readings for the Memorial of St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Biographical information about St. Kateri Tekakwitha
(Note: the optional memorial for Saint Camillus De Lellis, Priest, is perpetually transferred to July 18th in the United States.)
“Saint Kateri Tekakwitha” artist and date are unknown |
Readings for Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time [1]
Leading the flock across the desert, he came to Horeb,
the mountain of God.
There an angel of the LORD appeared to him in fire
flaming out of a bush.
As he looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush,
though on fire, was not consumed.
So Moses decided,
"I must go over to look at this remarkable sight,
and see why the bush is not burned."
God called out to him from the bush, "Moses! Moses!"
He answered, "Here I am."
God said, "Come no nearer!
Remove the sandals from your feet,
for the place where you stand is holy ground.
I am the God of your father," he continued,
"the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob.
The cry of the children of Israel has reached me,
and I have truly noted that the Egyptians are oppressing them.
Come, now! I will send you to Pharaoh to lead my people,
the children of Israel, out of Egypt."
"Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh
and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?"
He answered, "I will be with you;
and this shall be your proof that it is I who have sent you:
when you bring my people out of Egypt,
you will worship God on this very mountain."
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ex 3:1-6, 9-12
Moses learns of God’s will for him. This passage describes his call from God on Mount Horeb. The image of the burning bush attracted him, and God calls the reluctant servant to return to Egypt as his instrument. The purpose, Moses is told, is to lead the “children of Israel out of Egypt.” Moses’ response demonstrates the humility generally associated with God’s chosen servants.
CCC: Ex 3:1-10 2575; Ex 3:5-6 208; Ex 3:5 2777; Ex 3:6 205, 207; Ex 3:7-10 1867
-------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:1b-2, 3-4, 6-7
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
He pardons all your iniquities,
he heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction,
he crowns you with kindness and compassion.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
The LORD secures justice
and the rights of all the oppressed.
He has made known his ways to Moses,
and his deeds to the children of Israel.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 103:1b-2, 3-4, 6-7
This psalm of thanksgiving recalls God’s saving works. Three of God’s blessings are enumerated: forgiveness, healing, and salvation. The third strophe links the verse to the role of Moses in salvation history.
CCC: Ps 103 304
-------------------------------------------
Gospel: Matthew 11:25-27
"I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows the Son except the Father,
and no one knows the Father except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him."
-------------------------------------------
Commentary on Mt 11:25-27
Jesus has just completed a fairly scathing criticism of the people in the places he has been and performed miracles; yet many have not accepted him as the Messiah. He now concludes this section on a more joyous note as he reflects that, while the scribes and Pharisees (“the wise and learned”) have not understood who he is, those with simple faith have accepted him freely. “Jesus can speak of all mysteries because he is the Son and there is perfect reciprocity of knowledge between him and the Father; what has been handed over to him is revealed only to those whom he wishes.” [4]
-------------------------------------------
Reflection:
[1] The picture is “Saint Kateri Tekakwitha” artist and date are unknown.
[2] S.S. Commemoratio
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[4] NAB footnote on Matthew 11:25 ff.
No comments:
Post a Comment