Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, priest
(I Corinthians 7:25-31; Luke 6:20-26)
If ever there was a people hungry, thirsty, and maltreated,
it was the African slaves transported in cargo ships to serve on plantations
across the Americas. Historians tell of
the ships being vastly overcrowded with many dying on route. To those who take care of victims such as
these Jesus directs his sermon in today’s gospel.
Among the few who responded to the Lord’s urgency was St.
Peter Claver. This Spanish Jesuit went
aboard slave ships anchored in Cartagena, Colombia, to bring some relief to the
many Africans being enslaved. He not
only administered bread and water but also taught the people catechism so that
they could join the Church and receive salvation.
Disgracefully people are still being enslaved today. The sex trade has led to many women and children
being taken from their families and forced to commit dehumanizing, sinful
acts. Law enforcement around the world
must pursue the perpetrators of these crimes.
We must not participate in the trade it obliquely by viewing
pornography. Of course, prayer for the
victims and advocacy against the slave trade are also in order.
