Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs
Dying even under the best of circumstances can be painful for both the person whose life is slipping away and their family. While death is a physical reality, the effects of death are not limited to that realm. Being present for these moments has changed the way I look at the reality of death. Sometimes the patient is suffering and almost kicking and screaming, most times it seems to happen during sleep, but occasionally I am with people who die with a smile on their face.
Recently, I met a patient who loved to smile. Even when this patient was in pain there was little chance of knowing this because she smiled and had a positive attitude. People sought out opportunity to care for this patient because their attitude and faith offered those who encountered her an experience of God’s grace. This patient knew they were dying but were not afraid. She explained it as knowing from her deep faith that God was calling her home. She was prepared for her life of being with God face to face. Truly, she us all a lesson in holiness.
In the reading from St. Paul, he witnesses to the holiness for which we are all called. His preaching challenged the people of God to be prepared for the Reign of God. We hear similar messages echoed in the responsorial psalm and the Gospel. In the psalm, be confident and unafraid and draw strength in the Lord. This confidence and trust will empower the disciple to shout with exultation the glories of the Lord. The gospel further echoes the need to remain steadfast in trust of the Lord and to be prepared for whatever the Lord might ask. Jesus offers us a contrast of what happens to those servants who fail to remain vigilant and those who remain faithful. In placing ourselves as a servant within this gospel we can grow in awareness of our own need for conversion so that we might be more steadfast in faith.
The martyrs we remember today desired with their whole heart that live as missionaries for the gospel. Most of them had chances to walk away from their dangerous ministries. In each case, even when they were tortured, they stayed faithful to the truth. The Lord desired that they give their all to bring the gospel the native people of what we now call Canada. Though they all lost their lives, thousands were converted. We celebrate their memorial today so that we remember their witness, and through it are called to steadfast faith.
"Lord, help us to be more aware of the definite and ultimately eternal purpose for which you have created us. Like Saints John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, and their companions give us a boldness and a confidence so that always faithful witnesses to the faith no matter what the cost."
- Deacon Michael Montgomery