“Therefore, my God and Redeemer, I accept the chalice from your hand and invoke your name, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!” (St. Jean de Brébeuf).
These are the words of a heroic missionary who was willing to give his life for the Lord and intercede for the conversion of the Hurons without hesitation. It was the cup of the Lord. It was the way through which he wanted to glorify God, and so he did.
Martyrdom is undoubtedly a special grace that can only be understood with the eyes of faith. Rightfully, our nature resists; who would long for a cruel death? Even our Lord, on the eve of his Passion, uttered these words in the Garden of Gethsemane: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me.” However, he immediately added, “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you wilt” (Matthew 26:39).
Here, we encounter the profound mystery of love that transcends human limits. A person can be so intimately united with God’s will that God’s love moves and transforms him to the point of being willing to give his life for Him.
It is His love that moves him! This same love accompanies the stubborn sinner until the hour of his death; the same love that does not give up, even though humanity is increasingly turning away from the Father; the same love that was willing to give His life for the sins of the world; the same love that awakened His disciples and made them capable of leaving everything for the Kingdom of God.
This love made Jean de Brébeuf capable of giving his life and uttering these words: “If you find Jesus Christ on the cross, you will find roses among the thorns, sweetness in bitterness, and everything in nothingness.”
If you are interested in learning more about St. Jean de Brébeuf, you can listen to today’s daily meditation at this link: https://en.elijamission.net