Greetings on this the Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs
[In the Dioceses of the United States]
Readings: Ephesians 2:1-10; Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 4ab, 4c-5; Luke 12:13-21
Franciscan Summary (Quote)
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.
Reference: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-isaac-jogues-jean-de-brebeuf-and-companions/
The short story of their sacrifice is a worthy read if you have the time to follow that link.
Reflection
Many years ago, a friend of mine (Registered Dietitian) was on the planning committee for the annual conference of Dietitians. Since they were struggling to come up with a title for the conference, she asked me my input. I said, yes. The perfect title is:
Eat, drink, and be merry!
For tomorrow we Dietary.
I am told it was received with great laughter but, alas, rejected as a good conference title.
Go figure! It should not have surprised me as they dedicate their profession to healthy patient living day by day, every single day.
- All good comes from the depths of sacrificial giving.
- Sometimes through consistent practices of prayer, penance and service.
- Sometimes through heroic gifts of one’s own life as witnessed by our martyred Saints today.
- And always through the inspiration and strength of the One who gave all for all and for all time.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ (by grace you have been saved), raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:4-7).
Personal Reflection
Know that the LORD is God,
he made us, we belong to him,
we are his people, the flock he shepherds (Ps 100:3).
We are a people.
We are a flock, together.
We are the riches of the Lord, a choice possession.
Let us be rich in what matters to God (Lk 12:21b).
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101926.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry