Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon & Comps., MM., (20th September, 2021)
on the Gospel and the Memorial
Ezra 1:1-6;
Ps 125. (R. v.3);
Lk 8:16-18.
The evangelization of Korea began during the 17th century through a group of lay persons. A strong vital Christian community flourished there under lay leadership until missionaries arrived from the Paris Foreign Mission Society. During the terrible persecutions that occurred between 1839 and 1867, one hundred and three members of the Christian community gave their lives as martyrs. They include a few bishops and priests, but for the most part lay people. Outstanding among these witnesses to the faith were the first Korean priest and pastor, Andrew Kim Taegon, and the lay apostle, Paul Chong Hasang. Pope Saint John Paul II, during his trip to Korea, canonized these martyrs on May 6, 1984.[1]
Topic: Your stuff.
Jesus said in today’s gospel, “No one after lighting a lamp
hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so
that those who enter may see the light.” He also cautions, “...to those who
have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem
to have will be taken away.” These words call for sober reflection on who we
are.
Often we consider ourselves terribly helpless before both
real and imaginary forces. We tend to forget that God created all things, and
by His will we exist and are created, cf. Rev
4:11. God created us in His image and likeness, cf. Gen 1:26-27.5:1; Jas 3:9. And “everything created by God is good” (1Tim 4:4).
The stuff we are made of is by no means inferior and are made
by the Master Himself. Whatever we are is what God has made us to be and His
intention for us is to do good works, cf. Eph
2:10.
Before whatever that stands on our way, “...we are more than
conquerors through him who loved us” (Rom
8:37). We must remember always God’s response to Saint Paul, “My grace is
sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2Cor 12:9a). Never feel inferior
because you are not. Borrowing the words
of Saint Paul, we can do all things in Him who strengthens us, cf. Phil 4:13. To live fully so that others might
see the light that we are, we must wake up from our slumber.
Bible Readings: Eph 2:1-10.
Thought for today: You are of superior by superior to be superior.
Let us pray: May God assist us to live our lives
fully for His greater glory and for our happiness – Amen.
Saint Andrew Kim Taegon & Companions
– Pray for us.
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