MUNIFICENCE -
In the traditions of the Onondaga people of northeast North America, the significance of gratitude and generosity is ingrained deeply within their community and passed down to the younger generations through meaningful rituals. These rituals not only shape the individual but also strengthen the entire community.
When an Onondaga child reaches an age of understanding, a special ceremony takes place. The tribe forms a circle, welcoming the child into its centre. The child is first offered sweet and refreshing drinks. As the child drinks, a voice from outside the circle cries, "I'm thirsty, I'm thirsty." The child is then encouraged to share the drink with the thirsty voice.
Next, the child is brought back and served a delicious meal. After the child eats, another voice from outside the circle calls out, "I'm hungry, I'm hungry." Once more, the child is guided to share the food with the hungry voice.
Lastly, the child is clothed in warm and beautiful garments. Yet again, a voice emerges from outside saying, "I'm cold, I'm cold." The child is taught to gather clothes and blankets to provide warmth to the freezing person.
Through these acts, the Onondaga people teach their children invaluable lessons of kindness, empathy, and generosity by their own example. They understand that these virtues are best learned through lived experiences, encouraging children to act beyond themselves for the good of others.
As followers of Christ, we too are called to embody compassion, mercy, and forgiveness in our daily lives. These Gospel teachings often challenge our human conventions and make us uncomfortable. But it is through these struggles that we learn our responsibility not only to our families but to our broader communities.
Like the Onondaga children who grow to understand their connection to others, we too can "grow up" in faith to recognize our shared dignity as sons and daughters of God. Let us strive to live out these lessons of generosity and compassion, fostering a spirit of unity and hope in our parish and beyond.
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