Memorial of Sts. John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs
Integrity to Jesus
“I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge…” (Luke 12, Gospel Reading)
Oh no, not another set of martyrs to reflect on!
Yes, another set of martyrs. And we should rejoice especially at these, because they worked to evangelize Native Americans in the region of Quebec and New York around the late 17th century.
But would it not have been better for these white men to leave the natives alone?
A good, modernly sensed question, but one that is unfair to the faith and heroism of these white men who were brutally killed for acting in the name of Christ and trying to bring peace to warring tribes. Besides, it is always the blood of martyrs that stirs up the next generation of believers to continue the hard mission of proclaiming Christ—himself a victim to the truth he proclaimed.
Lord Jesus, may we never boast except in your cross, which saves us and sets us free from sin and death. Amen.
Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections