October 19, 2016

North American Martyrs

October 19, 2016

SS. John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs

  • NEW 'Light' tie bar, 'owl' tie pin:  "God gave me grace to bring God's plan to light so that God's wisdom might be made known" (1st reading)
  • 'Clock' tie:  "If the master had known the hour the thief was coming, he wouldn't have let his house be broken into." "The Son will come at an hour you don't expect." (gospel)
  • Red in shirt, 'blood drop' pin:  North American martyrs
  • Blue in shirt:  "You'll draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation." (canticle)

Listen

For the canticle
BTW there's a "Thief in the night" rock/metal band.
Pope Francis Audience
As followers of Jesus, we are to be “merciful like the Father.”  The first corporal work of mercy is feeding the hungry.  Access to food and water is a basic human right, yet so many people, especially children, go hungry.  This work of mercy calls us to respond personally to concrete situations of need in our own lives.  St. James warns against ignoring others' practical needs, for faith without works is dead.  In the miracle of the loaves and fishes, Jesus tells his disciples to provide food for the crowds and shows them that he'll give increase as they share what they have.  Jesus, Bread of Life, makes it clear that our relationship with the Father depends on how we respond to our brothers and sisters' hunger and thirst.
Read
  • Eph 3:2-12  God’s grace was given to me for your benefit.  The Spirit revealed the mystery of Christ not made known to other generations.  Gentiles are members of the same Body and partners in the promise.  God gave me grace to preach Christ and bring to light God's plan so God's wisdom might be made known.  In Christ we have boldness of speech and confidence of access through faith.
  • Is 12:2-4bcd, 5-6  "You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation."  God is my savior, my strength, my courage.  Acclaim him; great in your midst is the Holy One!
  • Lk 12:39-48  “If the master had known when the thief was coming, he wouldn't have let his house be broken into.  Be prepared; the Son will come when you don't expect.  When a master finds a faithful and prudent steward, he'll put him in charge, but the servant who knew his master’s will but didn't act in accord with it will be beaten.  Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and more will be demanded of the one entrusted with more.”
Today's saints, via Universalis
  • John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, Rene Goupil, John de Lalande, Anthony Daniel, Charles Garnier, Noel Chabanel and Gabriel Lalemant, Jesuit martyrs (6 priests, 2 brothers); see Wikipedia re de Brébeuf and Jogues and Catholic Encyclopedia re de Brébeuf (his killers, wanting his bravery, ate his heart) and Jogues.
    Reflect
      • Creighton:  We've been given much, so much is expected from us.  Are we following Paul’s instructions to be inclusive ("the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, copartners in the promise of Christ")?  We share our food and time with our loved ones, but what about others we're not as connected with?  Peter’s question to Jesus (“Is this parable for us or everyone?”) makes me think it's natural to separate ourselves into groups, but we're all “coheirs and copartners in Christ.”  We must be prepared for unexpected challenges to be inclusive and give what's expected of us.
      • One Bread, One Body:  "Come, Lord Jesus, today!"   When we expect the Lord to come, we're on guard against the evil one, we try to be "faithful, farsighted" stewards for the Lord, we're busy showing our love by feeding God's people, and we fight temptations and compulsions.  Proclaim, "Christ has died, is risen, will come again"; pray, "Maranatha!  Come, Lord!" "He comes!  All shall see him, even those who pierced him."
      • Passionist:  Jesus tells his disciples to be prepared.  Following Jesus isn't easy; you have to break away from the crowd.  Keeping the memory and mystery of Jesus' Passion and Death alive puts us at risk.  Commitment to Gospel values can put us outside the comfort zone of public opinion.  We may get tired of doing the right thing; we may feel alone doing so.  Paul “became a minister by the gift of God’s grace granted me in accord with the exercise of his power.”  What we've become is the result of grace, not merit; only grace will preserve us to the end.  When tempted to give up because you're overwhelmed by the task, remember Jesus’ answer to Peter:  The Gospel is for everyone, not just a select few....
      • DailyScripture.net:  "Ready to answer the Lord when he draws near":  Today's parables confront us with the possibility of losing everything now, and our inheritance.  Jesus' "thief in the night" story tells us we need to stay on guard.  Lack of vigilance invites disaster. The Lord expects us to guard the gifts of salvation and the Holy Spirit. Satan can draw us away from faith and God by convincing us we can find happiness apart from God's will.  Be alert and watchful; the Lord comes to us every day to draw us to himself and strengthen us.  In the 2nd parable, the master punishes the irresponsible servant who behaved wickedly.  The Lord calls us to be vigilant and ready.  God's judgment is good news for those ready to meet him; they'll receive God, source of truth, beauty, goodness, love and life.
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