Memorial of Sts. John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, priests, and companions, martyrs
We celebrate today the memorial of eight Jesuit missionaries who came to North America from France to preach the gospel among the native peoples of Canada. The entrance antiphon—“May we never boast, except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Cf. Gal 6:14; 1 Cor 1:18)—speaks directly to our first reading today from Romans 5. “If by one person’s [Adam’s] transgression the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many.” That “gracious gift” was Christ’s death upon the cross. We celebrate today the “gracious gift” of the North American martyrs who sacrificed their very lives to preach the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The response to this reading from Psalm 40 resounds on the lips of John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, and their companions: “To do your will, O God, is my delight…I announced your justice in the vast assembly; I did not restrain my lips, as you, O Lord, know” (Ps 40:9a,10).
Today’s gospel presents the beautiful image of vigilant servants who await the return of their master from a wedding. “Blessed are those servants,” says Jesus. Certainly, these brave missionaries were servants who anxiously awaited Jesus, their Master. It is thus fitting that in the communion antiphon we hear Jesus’ words from his Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 5:10).
Prayer for today: Lord, help me to freely sacrifice myself for others and grant me the courage to do your will.
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections