Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest
Readings: Col 1:21-23; Ps 54:3-4, 6 and 8; Lk 6:1-5
Notes: Critical Race Theory is really getting bruised by those who fear its implications and by those who reflect not on its meaning but on the opioid of blame.
I will use a literary reference to begin this reflection.
His words had power,
because they were in accord with his thoughts;
and his thoughts had reality and
depth, because they harmonized
with the life which he had always lived.
THE GREAT STONE FACE AND OTHER TALES OF THE WHITE MOUNTAINS
By Nathaniel Hawthorne
1882
Read the short story: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1916/1916-h/1916-h.htm
And then there is Father Saint Peter Claver.
Saint Peter Clave, pray for us!
The practice of slave-trading was condemned by Pope Paul III and later labeled “supreme villainy” by Pope Pius IX, it continued to flourish.
As soon as a slave ship entered the port, Peter Claver moved into its infested hold to minister to the ill-treated and exhausted passengers. After the slaves were herded out of the ship like chained animals and shut up in nearby yards to be gazed at by the crowds, Claver plunged in among them with medicines, food, bread, brandy, lemons, and tobacco. With the help of interpreters he gave basic instructions and assured his brothers and sisters of their human dignity and God’s love. During the 40 years of his ministry, Claver instructed and baptized an estimated 300,000 slaves.
Fr. Claver’s apostolate extended beyond his care for slaves. He became a moral force, indeed, the apostle of Cartagena. He preached in the city square, gave missions to sailors and traders as well as country missions, during which he avoided, when possible, the hospitality of the planters and owners and lodged in the slave quarters instead.
Reflection
The Holy Spirit’s might and power are manifested in the striking decisions and bold actions of Peter Claver. A decision to leave one’s homeland never to return reveals a gigantic act of will difficult for us to imagine. Peter’s determination to serve forever the most abused, rejected, and lowly of all people is stunningly heroic. When we measure our lives against such a man’s, we become aware of our own barely used potential and of our need to open ourselves more to the jolting power of Jesus’ Spirit.
Source: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-peter-claver/
Critical Race Theory is really getting bruised by those who fear its implications and by those who reflect not on its meaning but on the opioid of blame.
First Reading
You once were alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds.
Responsorial
God himself is my help.
Gospel Acclamation
I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.
Gospel
“Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?”
Spoiler alert: gleaning is not in violaton of the law. Handfulls to feed yourself is fine.
Never the less, Jesus replied.
Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”
Elsewhere: You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. [But] these you should have done, without neglecting the others (Matt 23:23).
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry