Saint Jean de Brebeuf, for example, who suffered extreme torture before his death, made a vow in his youth to never refuse the chance for martyrdom. And that vow was fulfilled. Saint Isaac desired to protect his new converts so much that even after having lost his fingers from torture, he returned from France to serve a second time. Forced to watch his confrere, Saint Jean, suffer torture and die first, Saint Gabriel Lalemant exclaimed, “My strength is the strength of God.”

In the first reading today, Saint Paul explains that God’s righteousness is evident for those who believe. In our struggles for recovery, we can make God better known among others. Our acts of resistance, growth, and service are our daily martyrdoms. The pains we encounter in disciplining our bodies against addictive substances or behaviors can feel like a tiny bit of what Jesus may have suffered. Through prayer, we gain graces and “the strength of God” to sustain us in our battles.

And like the missionaries of old, we also are called to God’s own “rescue missions” for others. By attending CIR meetings and reaching out with calls or texts to fellow addicts to give them a voice of support and offer our prayers for them, we take our part in the missionary effort of the Church. We may even have a chance to bring others to baptism and the sacraments.

In doing all this, we should call upon our North American martyrs commemorated today to assist us—not only in enduring and offering our crosses worthily but in being effective in reaching out with love to our brothers and sisters in need.

Reflection Questions

• How do you affirm and participate in the value of sacrifice in your life? What can you sacrifice today for the sake of God and His people?
• What Catholic martyrs have inspired you and why?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Romans 3:21-30
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 130:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6ab
Gospel: Luke 11:47-54

Reflection by Bill B.