Reflect
It is no accident that Indigenous Peoples’ Day lands on the same date as Columbus Day—October 9. Much of their history has been robbed, distorted, and, even worse, erased after generations of colonialism and westward expansion. But, thank God, not everything has been lost. As a diverse group that covers a wide range of the Americas, the gift and influence of Indigenous cultures is palpable and well overdue for recognition by those in the majority. As children of God so close to the earth and nature, we would be wise to listen and learn more from the lessons Indigenous peoples on how to be better stewards of creation.
Pray
Your beautiful creation, Lord,
has been cared for by the loving hands
of Indigenous communities stretching back
before recorded history.
May the connection between the Great Spirit
and the Holy Spirit remind us that we are all one.
May we look to our Indigenous brothers and sisters
for guidance on how to sustain and nourish the natural world,
taking our proper place not as owners of the land,
but caretakers.
Amen.
Act
Take a quick look at the life of St. Kateri Tekakwitha or St. Juan Diego, both Indigenous—and popular—saints. What strikes you about their lives of faith? What parallels can you draw between their times and ours? Consider what made them holy, and see if there small ways to follow in their saintly footsteps.
