SAINT KATERI TEKAKWITHA, VIRGIN (MEMORIAL)

Be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. 

As he prepared his apostles for their first outing as missionaries, Jesus knew that they would face misunderstanding and persecution. So he warned them, “Be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Their shrewdness would enable them to take strategic advantage of opportunities to preach when they arose. Their simplicity would help them to proclaim the gospel boldly and clearly.

One person who admirably lived out this dual calling was Blessed Victoria Rasoamanarivo of Madagascar (1848–1894). Born a princess of the ruling tribe, Victoria was raised in the indigenous beliefs of her ancestors. At the age of fifteen, she asked to be baptized, and despite her family’s disapproval, was finally granted permission. Although she wanted to enter religious life, her family had betrothed her to the eldest son of the island’s new prime minister. The man was neither a believer nor a faithful husband. Victoria simply prayed for him, and he was baptized just before his death twenty-two years later.

Victoria’s public missionary work began during the Malagasy–French War of 1883–1885. When foreign missionaries were expelled from Madagascar, the French priests entrusted her with the care of the Catholic community. Then when guards prevented people from entering the cathedral, Victoria courageously—and shrewdly—stood up to them: “If you must have blood, begin by shedding mine.” The guards relented.

Victoria also used her influence to protect and defend Catholics by appealing to the queen and prime minister to keep Catholic schools and churches open. They eventually agreed, and when Catholic missionaries returned to the island in 1886, they were met with a community of nearly 21,000 believers! The people had persisted in faith largely because of Victoria’s courageous and single-minded efforts.

You may not have been born into an earthly royal family, but you do belong to the family of a King! You, too, have been sent out to proclaim the good news. In what simple or strategic ways might you advance the kingdom of God today?

“Lord, help me to use the opportunities you give me to advance your kingdom.”

Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30
Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40
Matthew 10:16-23