Spiritual Accompaniment

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs
Readings: EPH 3:2-12; IS 12:2-3, 4BCD, 5-6; LK 12:39-48
Notes: The experiences of the Church and the American Indian is most certainly not a straight-line history. It has many turning points, reversals and disappointments, some severe. In today’s remembrance of the missionary church, we recall thankfully that there were churchmen following their evangelization calling to spread the gospel even to the point of their own lives and not at the expense of the lives of others.

It is most difficult to distinguish between good and evil when looking backwards and depending on the lens one uses to see. Openness and dialog are a positive way to build a deeper understanding of the past and provide a model of behavior for the future. I am asking all parties to reconsider their solid opinion for the openness of dialog.

Reflection

Faith and heroism planted belief in Christ’s cross deep in our land. The Church in North America sprang from the blood of martyrs, as has been true in so many places. The ministry and sacrifices of these saints challenges each of us, causing us to ask just how deep is our faith and how strong our desire to serve even in the face of death.

https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-isaac-jogues-jean-de-brebeuf-and-companions

Next Sunday is World Mission Sunday dedicated to the mission of spreading the Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Properly the gospel portion is The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.

Before we speak to man, we must speak to God.

But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ (Lk 18:13).

Before we act, we must obey God.

They traveled through the Phrygian and Galatian territory because they had been prevented by the holy Spirit from preaching the message in the province of Asia (Acts 16:6).

From Vatican News Service:

“The Holy See and the local Catholic communities are concretely committed to promoting the indigenous cultures through specific and appropriate forms of spiritual accompaniment that include attention to their cultural traditions, customs, languages and educational processes, in the spirit of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”

He decried the harms done to erase their culture.

“I think above all of the policies of assimilation and enfranchisement, also involving the residential school system, which harmed many indigenous families by undermining their language, culture and worldview. In that deplorable system, promoted by the governmental authorities of the time, which separated many children from their families, different local Catholic institutions had a part.”

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-07/pope-meets-authorities-diplomats-indigenous-in-quebec-francis.html

First reading
It has now been revealed to his holy Apostles and prophets by the Spirit, that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same Body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.

Responsorial (Isaiah)
You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

Alleluia Verse
Stay awake!
For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.

Gospel Portion
That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly.Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry