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!