Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Paul Miki, and Comps., Mm, (06th February, 2019) on the
Gospel and the Memorial
(Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary
Time (I))
Heb 12:4-7.11-15;
Ps 102:1-2.13-14.17-18. (R. cf. v.17);
Mk 6:1-6.
Saint Paul Miki was the son of a Japanese military leader. He was
educated by Jesuits, joined the Jesuits in 1580, and became known for his
eloquent preaching. He was crucified on Februay 5 with twenty-five other
Catholics during the persecution of Christians under the Taiko, Toyotomi
Hideyoshi, ruler of Japan in the name of the emperor. Among the Japanese laymen
who suffered the same fate were: Francis, a carpenter; Gabriel, the nineteen
year old son of the Franciscan's porter; Leo Kinuya, a twenty-eight year old
carpenter from Miyako; Diego Kisai (or Kizayemon), temporal coadjutor of the
Jesuits; Joachim Sakakibara, cook for the Franciscans at Osaka; Peter Sukejiro,
sent by a Jesuit priest to help the prisoners; Cosmas Takeya; and Ventura, who
had been baptized by the Jesuits, gave up his Catholicism on the death of his
father, and was brought back to the Church by the Franciscans. They were all
canonized as the Martyrs of Japan in 1862.[1]
Topic: Do not be deterred.
In today’s gospel, Jesus came to His hometown with His
disciples and taught in their synagogue on the sabbath. His teaching left
strong impression on many who heard Him. Yet they took offence at Him because
they knew His background too well, cf. Mk
6:2-3. Jesus was amazed at their unbelief and did not do much deed of power
there.
You may have suffered rejection or other forms of
ill-treatment just because of your background, look unto God. Human’s rejection
cannot strip you of the things God has blessed you with, cf. 2Cor 3:5. Go ahead and thank God who
has blessed you so much, cf. Job 7:17.
God will continue to be gracious to you and to bless you and to make His face
shine upon you, cf. Ps 67:1. God’s judgement is final, cf. Job 12:14.
Finally, remember that whoever rejects his brother or sister
denies him/herself lots of good things God has commissioned that brother or
sister to convey. Be wise and open your arms to your brothers and sisters. No
one has it all.
Bible Reading: Ps 67:1-7.
Thought for today: Do not be deterred.
Let us pray: May God help us discover more and
more of His blessings in our lives even as people reject us – Amen.
Saint Paul Miki and Companions – Pray
for us.
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