Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs

Lectionary: 472

When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars which you set in place—
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him?

Scriptures like today's reading from Paul's Letter to the Ephesians often remind us of our small stature before the Lord of the Universe. Saint Paul cannot contain himself as he reflects on the glory God has given Christ 

...seating him at his right hand in the heavens,

far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion,

and every name that is named

not only in this age but also in the one to come.

And he put all things beneath his feet...

And yet we remember giants among us, like Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues. Of normal height and weight, they came to North America to announce the Good News that had sadly grown old and stale for many in their own country but flourished in their hearts. They were welcomed by many native Americans, respectfully treated and heard. 

But there were powerful political forces that moved with their own insane logic among the European and North American powers that had no particular regard for the humble of the earth nor the missionaries among them. They not only ignored ordinary spiritual aspirations of their fellow humans, they took delight in mindless, aimless cruelty. In the twenty-first century we hear similar stories out of the war zones, North African nations, and large cities in the United States. The age of martyrdom has never ended, nor should we expect it before the Second Coming.

Although this cruelty is neither right nor just, it always accompanies the Gospel. It is a dark foil setting off the splendor of something small and lovely. Its violence cannot overcome a solitary star in a night sky shining upon an Infant in Bethlehem. It is the fire which consumes a sacrificial lamb and persuades the Lord of Heaven and Earth of the worth, dignity, and majesty of human beings. 

Aware of the determined presence of God's goodness in a fallen world, we quietly practice our faith and make our daily sacrifices without expectation of, or need for, recognition. Like the servants in Jesus's parable, we only do our duty. 

The martyrs say the same of their ultimate sacrifice. Trapped in a hopeless situation, realizing that no rescue is coming and no mercy will be shown, they choose prayer, hope, and surrender. They believe as the Crucified Lord believed, that God is good. We share that faith with them.