October 18, 2009
Power is such a sacred responsibility and few of us really know how to use it well. We expect our political and religious leaders to use the power that we entrust to them with good judgment, and we become angry and disappointed when they let their authority go astray. We intuitively know when someone is exercising their influence well and we give them wide latitude because they have earned our trust, but we instinctively reject another’s lording it over us and forcefully exerting of his or her platform upon us. We hope that we and they will learn that our true leadership and respectful use of authority means that we will sacrifice our goals for the good of those who are entrusted to us.
James and John hear that message from Jesus in Mark’s Gospel where they have a “Come to Jesus” lesson. In their self-confidence they claim that they can receive the cup and accept the same baptism (by blood) that Jesus will undergo – because they realize there is a great reward at the end of their suffering. Suffering without end seems not to have meaning, doesn’t it. They miss the point because it is not about reward. Suffering can instruct us and can make us more attentive to the needs of others. How can we look at another’s suffering and not be moved to compassion? This is where true leadership arises. Authentic leadership peers into the life of a sufferer, which demands a compassionate response.
Isaiah writes, “because of his affliction, he shall see the light in fullness of days.” God does not want the faithful servant, as in Isaiah, to suffer, and while suffering is not necessarily a gift, we may receive many graces through our suffering. When we go to church this week, accept the cup, the blood of Christ, and drink heartily. We drink from the cup of suffering that leads to our salvation. Though we would rather, we cannot avoid or shy away from suffering, but we have to gaze deeply into it – and we will find our Lord who sacrificed his life for us sympathizing with us in our need. This is leadership that we can trust.
Quote for the Week
As the North American Martyrs have such a vivid history in the consciousness of the people of Maine and Canada, I am reminded of the quote from St. Paul when he writes about our powerlessness as the vehicle by which God’s grace and glory is evident.
The Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Themes for this Week’s Masses
We continue to read Romans as Paul lays out his case for inclusion of the Gentiles because of the sweeping salvation that Christ’s death offered us. He urges us to present ourselves to God as people who are raised from death to life. The freedom from sin that we gain through our death to the world allows us to willingly accept a new type of slavery to God – one that is not marked by oppression, but by a liberating love. Christ is with us to aid us to reach this new ascent even though our bodies remain mortal. God’s spirit, the same spirit that raised Christ to new life, dwells within us.
Luke’s words to us remind us to be vigilant as we await the return of the master, and when he returns he will ask for an accounting of our stewardship because much will be asked of the one who already has much. Our vigilance makes us attentive to the cause of Christ. Though he was a peaceful man, his words and actions were designed to have us choose his way, which can cause division among our households and friends. Our vigilance causes us to be perceptive about the signs of the times so we can adjust our ways because if we do not repent from our sinful ways, we will perish. Christ wants us to choose him!
Saints of the Week
On Monday, we remember the North American Martyrs, Isaac Jogues, John de Brebeuf and six Jesuit companions who were killed between 1642 and 1649 as they brought the faith to Huron and Iroquois tribes in the New World. The Cheverus chapel windows are dedicated to these U.S. and Canadian martyrs.
On Tuesday, Paul of the Cross is honored for his priestly work to the poor and the sick. He cared for the sick by founding homes for them while also preaching for the conversion of souls to the faith. He practiced severe penances, which he thought would hasten the perfection of his own soul.
Friday is John of Capistrano’s day, a Franciscan Order of Friars minor, who studied canon law and preached throughout Europe to strengthen Christian life. A mission in California is named after him where on March 23rd, the swallows are said to faithfully return to the church.
Saturday is the memorial of Anthony Mary Claret, a Spaniard who preached in Catalonia before forming a society of missionaries. He became a bishop in Cuba and preached with zeal.
This Week in Jesuit History
• October 18, 1553: A theological course was opened in our college in Lisbon; 400 students were at once enrolled.
• October 19, 1588: At Munster, in Westphalia, the Society opens a college, in spite of an outcry raised locally by some of the Protestants.
• October 20, 1763: In a pastoral letter read in all his churches, the Archbishop of Paris expressed his bitter regret at the suppression of the Society in France. He described it as a veritable calamity for his country.
• October 21, 1568: Fr Robert Parsons was elected Fellow of Balliol College, Oxford. He resigned his Fellowship in 1574.
• October 22, 1870: In France, Garibaldi and his men drove the Jesuits from the Colleges of Dole and Mont Roland.
• October 23, 1767: The Jesuits who had been kept prisoners in their college in Santiago, Chile, for almost two months were led forth to exile. In all 360 Jesuits of the Chile Province were shipped to Europe as exiles.
• October 24, 1759: 133 members of the Society, banished from Portugal and put ashore at Civita Vecchia, were most kindly received by Clement XIII and by the religious communities, especially the Dominicans.
Mass for the North America Martyrs
Cheverus is celebrating the North American Martyrs with a Eucharistic Liturgy on Monday, October 19th at 9:15 a.m. in the Keegan Gymnasium. Very Reverend Myles Sheehan, S.J, the New England Provincial will preside and preach.
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