November is a month of remembrance. We remember those who have died. We also remember the “first” Thanksgiving. We remember (and count) our blessings. We give thanks for family and friends, food and health, work and recreation, life and faith. Despite, or maybe because of the challenges that we face.

Maybe there are some among us who remember and give thanks to those who have given their lives so that others could enjoy more freedom as a result of their ultimate sacrifice. I would like to remember the “Butterfly.”

 “Butterfly” (in Spanish mariposa) was the nickname for Minerva Mirabal (1926-1960) who opposed the dictatorship of Rafael “el Jefe” Trujillo (1891-1961) in the Dominican Republic. She studied law, but – by order of Trujillo himself – was not allowed to practice as a lawyer because she refused to acknowledge his romantic advances towards her. Minerva Mirabal detested the dictator, became involved in the anti-Trujillo movement and joined an underground group of political activists, which eventually became known, based on Minerva's nickname within that group, as Las Mariposas (the butterflies).

 But who was Trujillo? El Jefe (i.e. “the Boss”) ruled over the Dominican Republic between 1930 and 1961. As it often is with dictators, a personality cult developed: cities and counties, public places and buildings, mountains and other landmarks were re-named to honor him. Statues were erected across the country. His portrait decorated the walls in the homes of his subjects. And signs were placed with the slogan, Dios en cielo, Trujillo en tierra (“God in Heaven, Trujillo on Earth”). Eventually, the order of the phrase was reversed (Trujillo on Earth, God in Heaven). Even churches were required to post the signs. Furthermore, Trujillo is considered to be one of the most violent and bloodiest dictators ever of the Americas. He was responsible for the death of more than 50,000 people of his country. It is quite ironic that in the midst of World War II, while he had no respect for the lives of his own citizens, he rescued thousands of Jews from possible death in concentration camps by allowing them to immigrate to the Dominican Republic.

Back to Minerva Mirabal: on November 25, 1960, she and two of her sisters were brutally assassinated on orders of el Jefe Trujillo by persons unknown. In December 1999 the United Nations General Assembly designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. (This day also marks the beginning of the 16 days of activism against gender violence, ending on December 10, which is International Human Rights Day.)

I could not find out why Minerva Mirabal was nicknamed “Butterfly.” But the butterfly is also one of the significant symbols in Christian art to illuminate the message of Jesus' resurrection.

 Even though Jesus himself was abandoned and died on the cross, he would later rise again in glory. Just as a caterpillar emerges out of a seemingly lifeless cocoon as a beautiful butterfly, Jesus emerged out of his tomb-cocoon when in his resurrection he triumphed over death.
 Every Sunday in worship, we remember and give thanks that Jesus triumphed over death. The words of Thanksgiving at the Eucharistic Table express that we remember Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension and that we await his coming in glory. Thus, the Eucharist (which means literally [meal of] “Thanksgiving”) serves as a connecting piece between this life here on earth and the life that is yet to come. 

 No matter whom we remember and for whose life we give thanks during this month, let us not forget the butterfly of our faith, Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus' resurrection, we can anticipate the prospect of new and eternal life as well.

 Giving thanks to God through Christ Jesus, our Lord,
 Bjoern E. Meinhardt, Pastor