Memorial of Saints John de Brebuef and Isaac Jogues, priest, and Companion, martyrs
(Ephesians 3:2-12; Luke 12:39-48)
Many today criticize the efforts of missionaries on the
American frontier. They see the missionaries
as intruders on tribal culture and imposers of a totally foreign religion. These accusations can be disputed. Tribal warfare characterized native American
life, not universal peace. In the case
of the missionaries celebrated today -- Saints John de Brebuef, Isaac Jogues
and companion martyrs -- they worked with the tribes that were interested in
the promise of Christ’s salvation. They
were eschewed by rival, more belligerent tribes who could not accept gospel
abhorrence of violence. The missionaries
saw themselves working much in the way of Paul in today’s first reading.
Paul views Christ as bringing unity and peace to the
world. He finds in his teaching and, much
more, in his passion and death the only way to global harmony. Sending Christ into the world, God the Father
established His plan for universal salvation.
Hatred and division are being overcome through Christ’s sacrifice of
himself. Incorporating that sacrifice,
people like Paul and the Jesuit martyrs catalyze the process of reconciliation.
We should not hesitate to make similar sacrifices. Gratefully, we are not likely to be called to
give our lives for peace. But we are to
love others, which requires sacrifice as well.
We may have to give up some plans or perhaps our pride to help someone
in need. In doing so, we become like
Paul and the Jesuit martyrs what the reading terms “ministers of God’s grace.”
