May 8: The Defeated Sun God

Welcome to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Today is May 8th, and our story is The Defeated Sun God. Hernando de Soto wasn't what you'd call a good Catholic. Unlike some Catholic-born explorers of his age, he didn't come to the New World seeking to spread the gospel.

Instead, De Soto sought fame and fortune, and he attained both, but at a heavy price. As a young man, De Soto served as a soldier in the conquest of Central America. Ruthless in battle and merciless in victory, De Soto was no kinder once the fighting stopped. In peace, he made a fortune in the Native American slave trade, then used that fortune to finance a military expedition to Peru. For his loyal service, King Charles V of Spain rewarded de Soto with the governorship of Cuba and another commission.

He was to sail to the American mainland and colonize it within four years. Believin' he'd find a land rich with gold, DeSoto accepted, and in May 1539, he landed in Florida with more than 600 men, 200 horses, 200 pigs, and a boatload of heavy armor. From there, DeSoto and his men traveled as far north as present-day North Carolina, enslaving Native Americans along the way. The party then headed west through Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. Everywhere he went, DeSoto attempted to intimidate the natives into submission by telling them he was a sun god.

Sometimes it worked. On May 8, 1541, De Soto reached the Mississippi River. He named it River of the Holy Spirit. Once the river was crossed, the party passed through Arkansas and Texas, going as far as Oklahoma before turning back. No gold had been discovered, and with so many hostile bands and natives, colonization struck De Soto as too difficult. DeSoto never had to explain his decision to the king, though. On the return trip to Florida, DeSoto contracted a fever and died on the Mississippi's banks.

His men, hoping to keep the DeSoto is a God myth alive, hid his death from the natives and buried his body in an unknown location. They then left in defeat. De Soto's story illustrates the dangers of pride and selfish ambition. This cautionary tale reminds us to examine our motives. Do we strive for achievement at others' expense, or do we seek to serve God and community? Reflect on areas in your life where ambition might overshadow compassion or integrity.

Adjust your goals to serve others as well as yourself. Thank you for listening to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Join us tomorrow, May 9th, for another story of faith and courage in America.