Sometimes it is very difficult and dangerous to witness for Christ Jesus! The story of Father Isaac Jogues, S.J., Jean de Brebeuf, Rene Goupil and companions was a story filled with difficulty and danger. Being French Missionaries in the early 1600’s , these courageous men were caught in the middle of two warring Indian nations: the Huron and the Iroquois - in central New York State. They were in the process of attempting, as servants of Jesus, to bring supplies from Quebec to the residents of the Huron region - to aid them in their poverty, sickness and overall harsh conditions. It was on their return trip to Canada that they met a horrible death at the hands of the Iroquois tribe. The brutality was such that it cannot be spoken here.
The five became knows as the North American Martyrs - and there is an truly amazing shrine dedicated to them in Auriesville, New York (near New Amsterdam) - the sight of the martyrdom! It is a very moving and powerful experience to visit there. I had the opportunity to do so last summer!
What drew my attention and awakened my devotion was the centrality of the Cross of Christ in the outdoor and indoor displays! In fact, it was Rene Goupil making the sign of the cross on an Indian child’s forehead that may have triggered the massacre!
Our first reading today is about bearing in our bodies the dying of Jesus (on the Cross) so that we can also be raised up with Jesus. The details of how that happens can vary widely. This case, in New York State, is an extreme. But what got these noble Jesuits through was their focus on the Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
The gospel passage today reminds us that the Apostles and their successors and helpers have been sent into the world to announce the Good News of the arrival of a Beloved Friend and Redeemer! Reception of the message is not always pleasant! But the task nonetheless must be carried on - in season and out - in pleasant conditions and in difficult ones - and the Holy Spirit will always help those who are assigned the task to do so!
We honor those brave and courageous disciples of St. Ignatius who stayed the course in witnessing to the love of God for his people!
Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing!
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