The Martyrs That Were Ready . . .

The Martyrs That Were Ready . . . In today’s Gospel, Jesus talks of a heavy beating and a light beating. Oh My! The Gospel is very appropriate today as the Church celebrates the special memorial of the Canadian martyrs. These martyrs are like the wise stewards that Jesus speaks about in the Gospel. Jesus Christ Must Be Made Known Jesus Christ Must Be Made Known. This was the reason Saints Isaac Jogues, Jean de Brébeuf, and Companions came to the new world . . . to New France in Canada. In today’s world, we do not speak always about evangelism this way. We may talk about bringing someone to Church . . . or to the faith. Which is great. However, these men made the long journey across dangerous waters (around 1636). Why? Because Jesus Christ must be made known. Fr. Brébeuf in one of his journals, pauses in his writings and turns prayerfully to Jesus. He talks of the stirring tug in his heart toward martyrdom. He is aware that it is a real possibility for him. And there is something inside him that actually desires it. He desires it because of the way it will unite him with Jesus. In speaking this way to Jesus, the priest also says he has a great sorrow in his heart. A sorrow that Jesus is not known throughout the world! What a remarkable statement! Hear more within the Homily. The Servant That Is Always Ready In the Gospel today, we hear a watchful steward is vigil. The story is about a steward waiting for the return of the master. When a vigil servant is ready, it is not as important when the master returns. He is always ready. However, oh the servant that is not ready. Listen and understand how we must be prepared spiritually. Understand how the saints we honor on this day were ready for their hour. Hear more about the Martyrs that were ready. Listen to this Meditation Media. Martyrdom of Father Isaac Jogues S.J. Engraving by A. Malaer. Our thanks for the use of this engraving.