Saint Peter Chanel - whose memorial we celebrate today - is known as the Proto-martyr of Oceania and the Apostle of the South Seas for his missionary efforts on the island of Futuna.(McNamara has a post on him today).The night before he died, aware of King Niuliki's orders for him to be killed, Peter said, "It does not matter whether or not I am killed; the religion has taken root on the island; it will not be destroyed by my death, since it comes not from men but from God."
His words are a reminder to us that the world does not rest on our shoulders. All that matters in the end is whether or not the faith remains, whether we have strengthed the faith.
This is, perhaps, something that priests especially must remember. A certain priest may reach a certain segment of the population better than others. A certain priest may have been at a parish for a good length of time and done much good work there, such that priests before him were unable to do. But that priest is not necessary; he is the instrument of the Lord and it matters not whether he lives or dies.
Let each of us ask the Lord this day for the humility of Saint Peter Chanel.
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