Memorial of St. Peter Claver, S.J. (U.S.) Colossians 3:1-11 Psalm 145:2-3, 10-11, 12-13ab Luke 6:20-26

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer

In Luke’s gospel we find Jesus has selected his apostles and with them goes to talk with many disciples and heals many of their infirmities and woes.  He was such a captivating person that people came from all over to hear him.  Listen to some of his words:

“Blest are you poor, the reign of God is yours.
Blest are you who hunger, you shall be filled…….

But woe to you rich, your consolation is now.
Woe to you who are full, you shall go hungry…”

Jesus’ words of consolation and warning are powerful.  In today’s world we meet so many who are poor: no more jobs or underemployed, on social security and barely eking out an existence;
Hungry, for bread as well as friendship, spiritually hungry for God, etc.  The list of people of need goes on and on.

Of course we could blame: “the rich, those with full tummies, etc.  Blaming does not help anyone.
We need to be responsible in some way….maybe a small way.

St. Peter Claver, S.J., whose saint day is today, was a Jesuit sent to Colombia in the late 16th century.  He spent his time on the wharf, welcoming the ships and caring for the slaves being brought to South America.  Can you imagine what the holds of those ships were like…and what condition many of the slave men, women and children were in?  He found ways to “feed the hungry, find shelter for some, tend their wounds and bury their dead.”   One of his verses is: 
“Seek God in all things and we shall find God by our side.”

His life surely praised God.  His wealth was in service to others.

How do you find God inviting you to serve others today?