Shared Sacredness of Tradition: Wisdom

Nibwaakaawin (Wisdom) To live with vision and use the talents we have for good. Literally, a way of seeing life and the world through the eyes of our soul.

The beaver represents wisdom because he uses his natural gift by altering the environment for his family’s survival.The building of a community is entirely dependent on gifts given to each member by the creator and how these gifts are used. The Beaver's example of using his sharp teeth for cutting trees and branches to build his dams and lodges expresses this teaching. If he did not use his teeth, the teeth would continue to grow until they became useless, ultimately making it impossible for him to sustain himself. The same can be said for human beings. One's spirit will grow weak if it is not fulfilling its use. When used properly however, these gifts contribute to the development of a peaceful and healthy community

In regard to the Seven Grandfather Teachings, we say that to cherish Knowledge is to know Wisdom. Wisdom is acknowledging our unique gifts and talents given to us by the Creator and to use them in ways that are honourable and respectful for the Creator, for ourselves and for those around us.

King Solomon, famed for his wisdom, writes this, “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:6-7) and “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.” (Proverbs 13:1) 

We must allow ourselves to be humble, open to the Lord’s teaching, growing through instruction and right discernment in order to grow in Wisdom.

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A prayer for a desire to seek Wisdom and grow in Wisdom each day,

God of all creation, through reverence for You, may we see the deepest wisdom, and we pray that we may uphold sacred Traditions which open ourselves to you and show we have received and maintain the values in these teachings of our ancestors.

Grant us the strength and the courage to make the right choices in our lives and guide our thoughts by the gifts of Your Holy Spirit each day. Lord, continue to transform us in ways pleasing to you so we may grow in grace and in a knowledge of the Lord Jesus as we draw closer to you.

We pray for a discerning heart. An honest and true heart that seeks You first. A heart of understanding and a genuine desire for a deeper knowledge of You through your creation and the shared sacredness found in righteous Tradition.

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us! Servant of God Nicholas Black Elk, pray for us!

Shared Sacredness of Tradition: Love

Zaagi’idiwin  (Love)

The eagle represents love because he has the strength to carry all of the teachings.  To feel true love is to know the Creator. Therefore, it is expected that one's first love is to be our Creator. He is the father of all children, and the giver of life. Love given to the Creator is expressed through love of oneself, and it is understood that if one cannot love oneself, it is impossible to love anyone else.

The Eagle was chosen by the Great Spirit to represent this law, as the Eagle can reach the highest out of all the creatures in bringing pure vision to the seeker. Although the supplier of the greatest and most powerful medicine, love can also be the most elusive of the teachings, as it depends upon a world that acknowledges the importance of spirituality.

During times in our lives when we feel down, unworthy, or feel a sense of inadequacy, it can be of great help to pray and remember that God sees us and loves us. The same God who created the universe also created you as a unique person. He created you in Love and continues to sustain you in Love.

When we remember this, we can feel grateful for His love for us and His presence with us. The joy that fills our heart when we experience His great love for us can be an inspiration to share this goodness with others, especially when encountering someone we might find difficult to show love to.

The Anishnaabe word Zaagi’idiwin refers to a flowing out of unconditional love between one another including all of Creation.

In his letter to the Galatians Saint Paul reminds us of the words Jesus shared, “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself." (Galatians 5:14)

In John’s first Epistle he offers these words regarding loving God and loving one another, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love…And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” (1 John 4:7-8, 16) When loving like Christ, in an unconditional way, feels difficult, we can pray for an increase of this grace from God, our Creator.

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A prayer for an increase of Love for our Creator, others and ourselves,

Creator God, thank You for Your deep love for us and thank You for sending Your only begotten Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ to suffer on the cross for our sake, so that our sins could be forgiven and that we may live with You forever in heaven. Lord, We know that we do not warrant Your love and yet You have showered unconditional love and grace towards us through Christ, for which weIl praise and thank You.

You desire all Your children to love others as Christ loved us. Fill us with the love of Christ that we may love others in the same way that Christ loves us.

Help us demonstrate Your love, not only to those that are lovable, but also to those who lash out at us through pain or anger, disappointment or loss. May the love of Jesus be manifested in us, and be shown by grace through faith, to all with whom we come in contact.

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us! Servant of God Nicholas Black Elk, pray for us!

Shared Sacredness of Tradition: Respect

Manaajiidiwin (Respect)

Respect is represented by the buffalo.  The buffalo gives every part of his being to sustain the human way of living. The buffalo respects the balance and needs of others. The Buffalo, through giving its life and sharing every part of its being, showed the deep respect it had for the people. No animal was more important to the existence of Indigenous families on the plains than this animal. Its gift provided shelter, clothing and utensils for daily living. Native people believed themselves to be true caretakers of the great herds, and developed a sustainable relationship with the Buffalo resulting in a relationship that was a true expression of respect.The Anishnaabe word for this Law of Respect is Manaajiidiwin, it directly translates as ‘going easy’ on one another and all of Creation, to be gentle and kind with one another. To honour our Creator and all he has created.

Christ models this respect as an example to us, honouring God, his Father through obedience. He teaches us to show kindness and love to everyone we encounter, especially those who are in need of help and comfort and extending these actions to those who would persecute us. “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:13)

The teaching Saint Paul writes to the Romans is an apt description of what Christian Respect looks like, “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.  Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.” (Romans 12:9-13)

We show respect for God our Creator when we are attentive and obedient to His will for us. We show respect for others by treating everyone with care and kindness, at times even at the expense of our own comfort.

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A prayer for an increase of Respect and honour toward others each day,

God our Creator, we lift our hands and voices to worship You in thanksgiving and praise, for all the goodness and loving-kindness that You so freely pour out on us with every passing day.

Thank You for the grace that You supply moment by moment and day by day, we pray You develop in us a spirit of gratitude and hearts that acknowledges the long-suffering way that You are working in so many areas of our lives.

Lord, develop in us a godly attitude of gratefulness so that we may never cease to praise You for Your gracious goodness to us and to all people, learning to recognise that all the gifts and graces we have are a result of Your loving-kindness towards us.

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us! Servant of God Nicholas Black Elk, pray for us!