Enmegahbowh

He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. Then he looked up at his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. ‘Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. ‘Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. ‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. Luke 6:17-23

Today is the feast day of Enmegahbowh, the first Native American to be ordained priest in the Episcopal Church. An Ojibwe from Rice Lake, his name is said to mean, "he stands while praying with his people." Ordained deacon by Bishop Kemper in 1859 and priest by Bishop Whipple in 1867. He spent his life caring for his people, in a time when life was fraught with great poverty, rejection and governmental abuse. My friend, the Rev. Johnson Loud, Red Lake Ojibwe, created this icon at the time the church recognized him as a saint. Enmegahbowh was a man of great faith and great humility. He carried the Creator's love with him at all times. He has stood as a model for me of my priesthood and as a bishop. 

Collect: Almighty God, who led your pilgrim people of old by fire and cloud: Grant that the ministers of your church, following the example of your servant Enmegahbowh, may lead your people with fiery zeal and gentle humility; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.