John de Brebeuf, SJ and Isaac Jogues, SJ and Companions (Carmel Terrace)
Patronal Feast U.S. Assistancy of the Society of Jesus
19 October 2019
Today it is the feast of The North American Martyrs, Sts. John de Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues and their six companions. It is a major feast for Jesuits in the U.S. as these men are the patrons of the American Assistancy (or branch) of the Society of Jesus of which they were members. The eight men came from France in the early 17th century as missionaries to what became Canada and the United States. They worked for many years with the Huron. Eventually, however, the Mohawk attacked. Jogues was tortured and martyred in 1646. Brebeuf was tortured and martyred in 1649. The details of their suffering are best left undescribed except by the words gruesome and unspeakably cruel on the part of their killers.
The readings for this feast were chosen well. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Only faith made it possible for these men to endure the sufferings of their mission in the harsh climate of North America,knowing they would never see their families again and the risks they were taking. Only faith allowed them to embrace martyrdom when it came.
Jesus placed a choice in front of his disciples in today's Gospel. Faith placed a choice in front of Brebeuf, Jogues and their companions. We face the same choice as the disciples and the martyrs we celebrate today. The choice between life and death. The choice between faith and rejection of the gift of faith.
“Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it. Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”
Jesus is not speaking about biological life. He is speaking of the life of the soul, the life we actually live. He is saying that we must undergo a conversion, we must die to worldly desires such as the desires for power, money, fame and possessions so as to follow Him unencumbered.
Success. Prestige. Power. These are not wrong in themselves. But, when the desire for these things, when pursuing and having them controls one’s life, when the attempt to gain the whole world excludes God, when it excludes loving others one must ask if it leads to happiness, or if it leads to death long before the body’s vital functions cease.
Brebeuf, Jogues and their companions made a choice. They knew the risk when they came. They knew the hardships they would endure. Faith brought them to these shores. Taking up the cross and following Jesus kept them here. Faith allowed them to endure unspeakably painful martyrdom at the hands of their captors.
The saddest bumper sticker one can see on any highway is the one that reads, “He who has the most toys when he dies wins.” The question of exactly what he---or she--wins is never broached. What profit is there for me to gain the whole world but forfeit the life of my soul?
Each of us must answer that question for him or her self. Each of us must choose.
This week has been marked by a lot of red vestments. Today is no exception. The Jesuits martyred in what became Northern NY State and Canada were depicted in the movie "Blackrobe." The shrine to the martyrs is in Auriesville, NY. Have yet to visit there.
The two attached photos are from Loyola, Spain. Took them during the conference at which I presented two papers. The mosaic appears to be made of granite tiles, rather thick ones. Would like to know how many tons of stone went into it. That wall/floor is supporting a lot of weight. The stained glass is among some of the most beautiful I ever saw. After finding my room I went into the chapel for some short meditation (it was an awful trip, what I really needed was a nap). The moment I saw the glass I went back to my room down the hall to get the camera.
+Fr. Jack, SJ, MD
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