Tag: Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn

Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs

From the responsorial psalm: “I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my word. Show your wondrous mercies, O savior of those who flee from their foes to refuge at your right hand. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 8:1-3)

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

Luke depicts Jesus and the Twelve as they travel from village to village. With him, Luke tells us, were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many others. From them came the resources and provisions needed in his mission to preach the Gospel and heal people. If his many disciples were following him only for the sake of this life, what is it they hoped to gain? They followed Jesus because even before his passion, death, and resurrection, Jesus had the words of eternal life. “If for this life only we have hoped in Christ,” Saint Paul says, “we are the most pitiable people of all. But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Where would we be—empty in faith and false witnesses—without the resurrection of Christ?

God, help me throughout the day’s journey as I desire to follow Christ wherever he goes. In my own mind, the schedule is set and I want to face the work and challenges that lie ahead. Give me the grace to broaden my vision to greater things than this. I want to know who it is I ask to be with me at every moment, not only here and now but until the end of time. Help me recognize Jesus Christ your Son in the events of the day and in the faces of those you place in front of me. “On waking,” the psalmist prays, “I shall be content in your presence.” Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; that awake we may keep watch with Christ. Saints Andrew and Paul, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

The Gospel reading says that Mary and Jesus’ brothers—from Greek, adelphoi, or member of the same religious community—could not join him because of the crowd. Jesus was told that by someone who remains unknown. Did that person believe that Jesus’ mother and brothers had privileged access to him, despite the crowd? By his reply, in no way does Jesus diminish the role of his mother or brothers by saying those who hear the word of God and act on it are his mother and brothers. Are there times when I believe I have privileged access to Jesus, even without hearing and doing his will?

Thank you, God, for the clarity of your Son’s statement. Hear your word and act on it. Hear and act. Without the burden of guilt and shame, I desire to hear and do your will throughout the day. If I were to act only out of guilt or out of shame in recovering from a misstep, I can’t say that is desire to be in your presence. I sometimes believe I am better at identifying what your will is not than what it is. Help me understand how to avoid turning in the wrong direction so that I can keep you in my line of sight and recognize what is your will.

Just as Mary and Jesus’ brothers desired to join him, I also desire to put myself in your presence. Let nothing impede that today; let me hear and act. Stay with me, Lord, and let me know your outlandish love for me.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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