"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body...You are worth more than many sparrows." Lk 12 4,7
It is easy enough for Jesus to tell us not to be afraid of those trying to kill us and that we are precious in God's sight, but when our life is actually threatened, it is another matter. Fear is natural and necessary. It can help us flee life threatening situations and warn us to be careful, but it is also dangerous, especially when our faith demands that we not run away.
Sts John de Brefeuf and Isaac Jogues knew both the challenge to follow Jesus everywhere and the fear of doing so. Because their lives seemed always to be in danger, these two valiant men not only did not avoid preaching the good news, they accepted its consequences. Isaac actually escaped to France for a time after being enslaved by the Iroquois and having his hands mutilated, but his fervor was not quenched. Returning to North America, he was captured and beheaded by the Mohawks while trying to bring supplies to his converts.
John de Brefeuf, even though he knew the Jesuits were being blamed for bringing smallpox to North America, continued to minister to the Indians, writing catechisms and a dictionary in the Huron language, and overseeing the baptism of 7000 people. Finally captured by the Iroquois, he was tortured and killed.
Stories like this always challenge our faith. While God never asks us to suffer unnecessarily, all of us will suffer for the gospel if we proclaim it simply and openly. In a world gone mad with accomplishment and material success, the gospel's demands to visit the sick, feed the hungry, and minister to the poor will never be easily heard.
Today, ask God to let you know what path, no matter how difficult, you must take.
Who do you most admire for living the faith simply and powerfully?
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