Saint Peter Claver's connection with Jesus was profound and central to his life and work. It wasn't a personal, direct encounter as with the original Apostles, but rather a deep identification with Christ's suffering and a commitment to serving Him through the most marginalized and vulnerable. Here's how their connection manifested:
* Imitation of Christ's Humility and Service: Claver's entire ministry was rooted in the example of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples (John 13:1-17). He saw Christ in the enslaved Africans arriving in Cartagena and considered it a privilege to serve them, no matter how menial or degrading the task. This included tending to their physical needs, providing medical care, and offering comfort.
* Identification with Christ's Suffering: Claver recognized the immense suffering endured by the enslaved Africans as a reflection of Christ's own suffering on the cross. He believed that alleviating their pain was a way of ministering directly to Christ.
* Evangelization Through Love: Claver did not simply preach to the enslaved; he showed them the love of Christ through his actions. He baptized them, catechized them, and advocated for their rights. His example of selfless service often spoke louder than words.
* Living out the Gospel Message: Claver's life embodied the core teachings of the Gospels, particularly the call to love one's neighbor and to care for the poor and oppressed. In doing so, he became a living testament to Christ's message of compassion and justice.
* Spiritual Disciplines: Claver was a man of deep prayer and penance. He drew strength from his relationship with God, which enabled him to persevere in his challenging ministry. This regular contact with God through prayer sustained his work.
* Seeing Christ in the Marginalized: A key aspect of Claver's spirituality was his belief that Christ was present in the poor, the sick, and the oppressed. By serving these individuals, he believed he was serving Christ himself (Matthew 25:40).
In summary, Saint Peter Claver's connection with Jesus was not based on a literal encounter, but rather on a profound spiritual identification. Through his dedication to serving the enslaved and suffering, he lived out the Gospel message and embodied the love and compassion of Christ. He considered himself an instrument of God's love, bringing Christ's healing and comfort to those who needed it most.