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Wednesday 23rd Week OT
The Institute
September 9, 2014
DARK TIMES ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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XTNS were very slow in recognizing the evil of
slavery
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Yet in the dark centuries when Christian society
accepted such treatment of other human beings, a few lights do shine
A LIGHT IN DARK TIMES
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One such light was Peter Claver
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In 1866, 200 years after his death & 1 year
after slavery had been abolished in the US the Church was still reaffirming the
morality of slavery
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It’s startling how one so little in stature was
to combat the accepted horror of slavery, not by words, but by his life and his
actions
ABOUT PETER CLAVER ++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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Peter was born in Spain, entered the SJs and was
assigned to their mission in what’s now Colombia
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Columbia was the main port of entry for African slaves,
more than 10,000 a year, w/ ½ that number dying on the voyage
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Peter dedicated himself by organizing helpers
who, with him, met the slave ships & taking medicine, food, consolation to
the sick and dazed slaves
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He learned their languages, trying to convince
them, despite the treatment of their Christian masters, God loved them
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His efforts weren’t applauded by slave owners or
even by Church authorities
APPLICATION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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Peter is an outstanding example of following
what 1 sees as the implication of belief in Jesus, despite lack of support from
the Church to evangelize them
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He exemplifies Mother Teresa’s dictum: “We are called not to be successful, but to
be faithful”
CONCLUSION
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Having been the recipients or the perpetrators
of injustices against human dignity, Peter Claver’s example gives us pause…
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To ask how is our belief in Jesus shaping our
thoughts and our future?
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Correcting our wrongs and setting them right?
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