Jesus said to his disciples: "To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic." Luke 6:27-30
Today we remember St. Peter Claver, a Jesuit missionary priest from the 17th century who dedicated his life to minister to enslaved Africans in Colombia. St. Peter entered every ship carrying slaves to the region and stayed with many in slaves' quarters of the local plantations. With translators on hand, he entered these areas carrying food, water, and the lifesaving love of the Gospel. His heart was captured by the people he encountered. Because of his efforts and demonstrations of love and mercy to the slaves he served, he was known as the "apostle of the negros," and after his canonization, Pope Leo XIII proclaimed him the patron of all Roman Catholic missions to African peoples. I imagine that St. Peter Claver's mission was very difficult, tiring, and backbreaking but despite of all day in and day out he fulfilled his mission. If we believe that we are called to be missionary disciples, we are invited to share God's blessings with the world, and as the reading reminds us, offering our other cheek! We are called to accompany the poor, to inspire others as we uphold human dignity, and to proclaim our faith to the world. Will it hurt? No doubt! Will your cheeks be red sometimes? I assure you they will be! And for a brief split second it will even paralyze our thinking, but as a child of God, created in love, you and I, are called to offer the other cheek, and YES to love courageously even when we are hurting. My cheeks hurt Lord, but Jesus I know you are with me!
Do we welcome others with love and compassion, EVEN when we know that our cheeks will hurt in the process?
Lord, help us be courageous and strong as Saint Claver was, to love every brother and sister we encounter no matter what race, religion, language, or creed. Help us be humble, and to proclaim our faith, even when it hurts. We ask today for the intercession of the Blessed Mother, St. Peter Claver, and all the angels and Saints who praise you and sing of your Glory! Amen.
Today's Reflection is by:
Vivi Iglesias
Did you know...
Vivi Iglesias is the National Advisor for Partnerships for Catholic Relief Services (CRS). A theologian, public speaker, and writer, Vivi serves as Region XIV Chair for the V Encuentro Process of Hispanic Ministry and is a lay member of the Bishop's Board of Directors of the US Catholic Bishops Southeast Regional Office for Hispanic Ministry (SEPI). A native of Argentina, she is a wife, mother, and proud grandmother. Her experience includes almost 19 years of work with the Diocese of St. Petersburg, first in the Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, later as Executive Secretary to the Bishop for almost eleven years, and finally as Associate Director of Hispanic Ministry.
