A biographer relates the story of Saint Isaach Jogues learning that his companion Saint Rene Goupil had been martyred in Saint Among Savages: “Sore in heart, St. Isaac spent the day searching the dark ravine [for Saint Goupil’s body]. With help from some native boys, he slid down the steep, muddy bank to where the underbrush was thick. There lay the yellow skull and bones. The skull was cracked in several places where it had been smashed in by blows of the tomahawk. Searching, he found a safe refuge and buried the skull and bones at the base of a giant tree, while quietly intoning the De Profundis.”

To this day, Saint Rene’s bones have never been found. However, my experiences of walking and praying at the Shrine of the North American Martyrs leave me feeling as if I have encountered Saint Rene’s presence watching and protecting all who honor him. He and the other martyrs commemorated today serve as an example of what we are called to aspire to—to live sacrificially for the love of God and neighbor, one day at a time.

In our battle against addiction, we must confront the dark forests of our memories and the turmoil of our inner lives as we strive to live sacrificially for God. In this struggle, let us take Jesus’ words to heart: “Do not worry about how or what your defense will be…” (Luke 12:11) Our simple but challenging tasks are to pray, trust, and build the virtues we need to live soberly. As we gain mastery over ourselves, we will achieve great things for Him, just as the martyrs did. By remaining faithful, and through the power of His one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, we will rejoice with our Triune God, admiring, thanking, and praising Him forever.

Reflection Questions

• How do you affirm the value and action of sacrifice in your life?
• What Catholic martyrs have inspired you and why?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 8:2-3AB, 4-5, 6-7
Gospel: Luke 12:8-12

Reflection by Bill B.