Paul says goodbye to the community of Ephesus in our first reading today. It is a very emotional moment for him, as Paul has spent several years preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in that community. Paul at first encountered great enthusiasm from the Jews there as he preached to them in their synagogue. However, later, when opposition arose, he moved to the public hall where his message was heard by many. As Paul gets ready for his departure, he makes preparations to go to Jerusalem, even though he knows that he may face violence or arrest upon his arrival there.
Paul was a great missionary in the years of the Early Church. The way the faith spread throughout the ancient world reflects the zeal and enthusiasm in which Paul preached the Gospel to the people. Today, we celebrate a great missionary to North America in the days of the French explorers - Jesuit priest Jacques Marquette. He founded Michigan's first European settlement, Sault Sainte Marie. He arrived in North America in 1666 as a young priest. In 1673, Marquette and French explorer Louis Jolliet were the first Europeans to explore and map the northern portion of the Mississippi River Valley. Marquette learned at least six different native American language dialects, which made have a very effective missionary. He died in the year 1675 at the age of 37 from dysentery near Ludington, Michigan. The city of Marquette, Michigan and Marquette University in Milwaukee are named after him, keeping his memory alive in the hearts of many. Although Marquette has not been officially canonized a saint, his example of faith as a missionary speaks to us today from the 17th century. May the spirit in which he brought the faith to the people of North America inspire us in our new evangelization today.
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