September 9 2019 - St. Peter Claver - A slave of slaves

In the age of the explorers and conquistadors, many young men were leaving Europe for the Americas in order to seek out a fortune. Peter Claver, a young Jesuit priest, rather, left his native Spain, to build up treasure in heaven, in Cartegena, a port city in modern day Columbia. The Collect prayer refers to Peter Claver as “a slave of slaves” for he ministered to the African slaves who were brought there to work in the fields and the mines.

When the slave ships entered the port, Peter Claver would board the ships to care for the sick and malnourished. And when the slaves were herded to the slave-market, Peter, would bring them medicine, food, bread, and other items that would help them survive in this new land.

With the help of interpreters, he gave the slaves basic instructions in the faith; he assured them of their human dignity and the salvation that awaited them in God's kingdom.  During the 40 years of his ministry in Columbia, it is estimated that Claver baptized more 300,000 slaves.

Additionally, Peter Claver preached Christ’s Gospel message to the sailors, and tradesman, the imprisoned, and those condemned to death, and to the rich. On many occasions, he was ill-received by the plantation owners and their wives, who looked upon his ministry among their slaves as a waste of their time.

On this Memorial we hear from Matthew 25, the Lord’s teaching on the final judgment, a reminder that service of those in need is never a waste of time. In each slave, to whom he ministered, Peter Claver ministered to Christ himself. And for this, he is counted among the blessed. In the words of Mother Theresa: "At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me.

We might not be called to baptized 300,000 slaves. But we are certainly called to help someone other than ourselves today. Again, in the words of Mother Theresa, “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one."

May we use the time we have been given today, to serve Christ in the poor, in the midst of their daily suffering, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That all Christians may be diligent in the works of charity, and generous with our time, talent, and treasure in serving those in need.
For an end to slavery, human trafficking, and all forms of inhumane oppression, for the protection and respect of human life.
For those whose lives are marked by suffering, that they may find hope in the promises of Christ.
For the repose of the souls of the dead, and for N. for whom this mass is offered.
Heavenly Father, hear the prayers of your pilgrimage Church, grant us what we truly need to remain faithful to your Son in all things. Through Christ Our Lord.