Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng
Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs
Lectionary: 447
Lectionary: 447
Beloved:
Teach and urge these things.
Whoever teaches something different
and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ
and the religious teaching
is conceited, understanding nothing,
and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes.
From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions,
and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds,
who are deprived of the truth,
supposing religion to be a means of gain.
Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain.
For we brought nothing into the world,
just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it.
If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that.
Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap
and into many foolish and harmful desires,
which plunge them into ruin and destruction.
For the love of money is the root of all evils,
and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith
and have pierced themselves with many pains.
But you, man of God, avoid all this.
Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion,
faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
Compete well for the faith.
Lay hold of eternal life,
to which you were called when you made the noble confession
in the presence of many witnesses.
Teach and urge these things.
Whoever teaches something different
and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ
and the religious teaching
is conceited, understanding nothing,
and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes.
From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions,
and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds,
who are deprived of the truth,
supposing religion to be a means of gain.
Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain.
For we brought nothing into the world,
just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it.
If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that.
Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap
and into many foolish and harmful desires,
which plunge them into ruin and destruction.
For the love of money is the root of all evils,
and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith
and have pierced themselves with many pains.
But you, man of God, avoid all this.
Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion,
faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
Compete well for the faith.
Lay hold of eternal life,
to which you were called when you made the noble confession
in the presence of many witnesses.
Responsorial PsalmPS 49:6-7, 8-10, 17-18, 19-20
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of
heaven is theirs!
Why should I fear in evil days
when my wicked ensnarers ring me round?
They trust in their wealth;
the abundance of their riches is their boast.
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Yet in no way can a man redeem himself,
or pay his own ransom to God;
Too high is the price to redeem one’s life; he would never have enough
to remain alive always and not see destruction.
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Fear not when a man grows rich,
when the wealth of his house becomes great,
For when he dies, he shall take none of it;
his wealth shall not follow him down.
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Though in his lifetime he counted himself blessed,
“They will praise you for doing well for yourself,”
He shall join the circle of his forebears
who shall never more see light.
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Why should I fear in evil days
when my wicked ensnarers ring me round?
They trust in their wealth;
the abundance of their riches is their boast.
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Yet in no way can a man redeem himself,
or pay his own ransom to God;
Too high is the price to redeem one’s life; he would never have enough
to remain alive always and not see destruction.
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Fear not when a man grows rich,
when the wealth of his house becomes great,
For when he dies, he shall take none of it;
his wealth shall not follow him down.
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Though in his lifetime he counted himself blessed,
“They will praise you for doing well for yourself,”
He shall join the circle of his forebears
who shall never more see light.
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
GospelLK 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.
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.
Meditation: "The women provided for Jesus"
Are you ready to
serve the Lord and to support the work of the gospel with your personal
resources? During his three years of public ministry Jesus traveled widely. The
gospel records that a band of women accompanied Jesus and the twelve apostles.
This was a diverse group of women; some came from rich and prominent families;
some had been prostitutes, and others had been afflicted with mental and
physical infirmities. We know that Mary Magdalene had lived a very troubled
life before Jesus freed her from seven demons. She was privileged to be the
first to see Jesus as the risen Lord. As the wife of King Herod's chief
financial officer, Joanna was a wealthy lady of the court. It's unlikely that
these two would have ever met under other circumstances. What brought them
together and united them in a bond of friendship, service, and loyalty to
Jesus? Certainly Jesus and his message of the kingdom of God had transformed
them. Unlike the apostles, who took great pride in being the chosen twelve,
these women did not seek position or demand special privileges. Jesus had
touched them so deeply that they were grateful to do anything for him, even
menial service. They brought their gifts and resources to Jesus to use as he
saw fit.Are you more like the status-conscious apostles who were concerned for their position, or like the women who were content to serve Jesus quietly and generously with their personal resources? In our fallen state, our natural tendency is to want to be served and placed first and to avoid giving too much of ourselves to the service of others. And besides, who really prefers to take the lowly place of a servant who puts the needs of others before their own needs? Jesus is our best example who "came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom" for us (Matthew 20:28). The gospel honors these women who imitated Jesus in his selfless sacrificial love and humble service.
Our privilege as children of God and disciples of Jesus is to serve as Jesus served with humility, selfless love, generosity, joy, and a willingness to do whatever God asks of us. God, in his turn, gives us every good gift and grace we need to carry out our task and mission. God in his infinite power needs no one, but in his wisdom and love, he chooses to entrust his work through each one of us. His Holy Spirit equips us with all that we need to love and serve others. No one is unimportant or unnecessary in God's economy. The least in his kingdom find a home and a mission at Jesus' side. Do you know the joy of serving Jesus in company with others who love and serve him willingly?
"Lord Jesus, set my heart on fire for you that I may give freely of the gifts, talents, and resources you give me, for your sake and for the work of the gospel."
www.dailyscripture.net
 Love Is Not Snobbish |
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Memorial of Saint
Andrew Kim Taegŏn, priest and martyr and Saint Paul Chŏng Hasang, martyr, and
their companions, martyrs
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Father David Daly,
LC
Luke 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.
Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I believe that you came into this world to redeem
sinners. I hope in you and in your power to transform my soul, by your grace,
from sinfulness to holiness. Lord, I love you and offer you the longings of
my heart to put you truly first in my life. I want to love you with all my
mind, heart, soul and strength.
Petition: Jesus, teach me to live universal charity.
1. “Accompanying Him Were the Twelve.” In this rather commonplace phrase from the
Gospel, we perceive Jesus’ universal charity. He chose his twelve apostles
from many different backgrounds. Most of them probably would not have been
friends were it not for Christ. Matthew was a tax collector; Peter, James and
John, fisherman. Judas was more “sophisticated” than the rest. Yet, Jesus
called them all to be his closest collaborators. As a result, they would come
to cooperate with and appreciate each other. When Christ is at the center of
any relationship, differences can not only be overcome, they can become
points of strength as well.
2. Mary, Called Magdalene: Not only did he choose men to be his close
collaborators, but as the Gospel says there were also “women who provided for
him out of their resources.” Jesus assigned them different roles, but he
saved and transformed their lives all the same. We think of Mary Magdalene as
a close friend of Christ, but we should also remember that he transformed
her, with the power of God’s grace, by expelling seven demons from her.
3. The Wife of Herod’s Steward: Another of the women following Jesus was
“Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward.” It is amazing to realize that the
Gospel took root even in the midst of the fiefdom of Herod, a man who had
absolutely no esteem for our Lord. We, then, should never ‘write someone
off.’ Prayer, sacrifice, and charity can be effective means for the worst
sinner’s conversion. Jesus’ message was capable of inspiring followers in all
societal conditions and groupings. Similarly, we are called to build the
Kingdom at all levels of our secularized world.
Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus Christ, you give us the example
of unconditional love for each and every person. You do not care what our
background is or how many sins we have committed. Your mercy is infinite and
everlasting! Thank you for your love. I beg you to teach me to love without
limits.
Resolution: I promise to practice universal charity
today by being kind to someone with whom I do not ordinarily associate.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
LUKE 8:1-3
(1
Timothy 6:2c-12; Psalm 49)
KEY VERSE: "Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women" (vs 1-2).
READING: Jesus journeyed throughout the local villages proclaiming the good news. He was accompanied by his twelve apostles and several women who "provided for them out of their own resources" (v 3). These women disciples had experienced the healing love of Jesus' mercy, and they expressed their gratitude through generous service. Jewish tradition forbade a rabbi to associate with women in public, but Jesus went beyond the cultural customs of his day. He declared that the Gospel was for all people regardless of gender. These faithful women stood by Jesus at the cross (Lk 23:49), were present at his burial (23:55), and were privileged witnesses of his glorious resurrection (24:1-10).
REFLECTING: Is my attitude toward women in ministry like that of Jesus?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to show my love for you through serving others.
Memorial of the Korean
Martyrs, Andrew Kim Taegon,
priest and Paul Chong Hasang and their Companions
During the 19th century, among a group of 103 Korean martyrs was Andrew Kim Taegon, Korea's first native priest, and the first priest to die for the faith in Korea. As leader of the community, Andrew was tortured and beheaded in 1846 at Seoul, Korea. Also martyred was Paul Chong Hasang, a layman, who was one of the great founders of the Catholic Church in Korea. Hasang reunited the scattered Christians, and encouraged them to keep their faith despite persecution. He died in the Gi Hye persecution of 1839 before he could be ordained. Three bishops and seven priests, were also put to death, but most of the martyrs were heroic laity, men and women, married and single of all ages. These martyrs were canonized by Pope John Paul II on May 6, 1984.
The Korean Church is unique because it was
founded entirely by zealous laypeople in the 17th century. This fledgling
Church, so young and yet so strong in faith, withstood wave after wave of
fierce persecution. Thus, in less than a century, it could boast of 10,000
martyrs. The death of these many martyrs became the leaven of the Church and
led to the flowering of the Church in Korea. Even
today their undying spirit sustains the Christians of the "Church of Silence" in the north of this tragically
divided land.
Happy the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
They, with other women, accompany the twelve apostles who are ‘proclaiming and bringing the goods news of the kingdom of God’ to the cities and villages. The women, with their sins, ailments or inferior social status, are raised up by Jesus. Cured, forgiven, given purpose and fired by love of Christ and faith in his teaching, they stand alongside Jesus and their male counterparts. They provide for the apostles from their own resources, making the mission to preach the Gospel achievable.
Lord, as we reflect on the roles and opportunities for women in our church and society, we gratefully acknowledge your love for all who seek to know you, regardless of sex or status.
September 20
Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang and Companions
(1821-1846)
Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang and Companions
(1821-1846)
This first native Korean priest was the son of Korean converts.
His father, Ignatius Kim, was martyred during the persecution of 1839 and was
beatified in 1925. After Baptism at the age of 15, Andrew traveled 1,300 miles
to the seminary in Macao, China. After six years he managed to return to his
country through Manchuria. That same year he crossed the Yellow Sea to Shanghai
and was ordained a priest. Back home again, he was assigned to arrange for more
missionaries to enter by a water route that would elude the border patrol. He
was arrested, tortured and finally beheaded at the Han River near Seoul, the
capital. Paul Chong Hasang was a lay apostle and married man, aged 45.
Christianity
came to Korea during the Japanese invasion in 1592 when some Koreans were
baptized, probably by Christian Japanese soldiers. Evangelization was difficult
because Korea refused all contact with the outside world except for
bringing taxes to Beijing annually. On one of these occasions, around
1777, Christian literature obtained from Jesuits in China led educated Korean
Christians to study. A home Church began. When a Chinese priest managed to
enter secretly a dozen years later, he found 4,000 Catholics, none of whom had
ever seen a priest. Seven years later there were 10,000 Catholics. Religious
freedom came in 1883.
When Pope
John Paul II visited Korea in 1984 he canonized, besides Andrew and Paul, 98
Koreans and three French missionaries who had been martyred between 1839 and
1867. Among them were bishops and priests, but for the most part they were lay
persons: 47 women, 45 men.
Among the
martyrs in 1839 was Columba Kim, an unmarried woman of 26. She was put in
prison, pierced with hot tools and seared with burning coals. She and her
sister Agnes were disrobed and kept for two days in a cell with condemned
criminals, but were not molested. After Columba complained about the indignity,
no more women were subjected to it. The two were beheaded. A boy of 13, Peter
Ryou, had his flesh so badly torn that he could pull off pieces and throw them
at the judges. He was killed by strangulation. Protase Chong, a 41-year-old
noble, apostatized under torture and was freed. Later he came back, confessed
his faith and was tortured to death.
Today,
there are almost 5.1 million Catholics in Korea.
Comment:
We marvel at the fact that the Korean Church was strictly a lay Church for a dozen years after its birth. How did the people survive without the Eucharist? It is no belittling of this and other sacraments to realize that there must be a living faith before there can be a truly beneficial celebration of the Eucharist. The sacraments are signs of God's initiative and response to faith already present. The sacraments increase grace and faith, but only if there is something ready to be increased.
We marvel at the fact that the Korean Church was strictly a lay Church for a dozen years after its birth. How did the people survive without the Eucharist? It is no belittling of this and other sacraments to realize that there must be a living faith before there can be a truly beneficial celebration of the Eucharist. The sacraments are signs of God's initiative and response to faith already present. The sacraments increase grace and faith, but only if there is something ready to be increased.
Quote:
"The Korean Church is unique because it was founded entirely by lay people. This fledgling Church, so young and yet so strong in faith, withstood wave after wave of fierce persecution. Thus, in less than a century, it could boast of 10,000 martyrs. The death of these martyrs became the leaven of the Church and led to today's splendid flowering of the Church in Korea. Even today their undying spirit sustains the Christians in the Church of silence in the north of this tragically divided land" (Blessed John Paul II, speaking at the canonization).
"The Korean Church is unique because it was founded entirely by lay people. This fledgling Church, so young and yet so strong in faith, withstood wave after wave of fierce persecution. Thus, in less than a century, it could boast of 10,000 martyrs. The death of these martyrs became the leaven of the Church and led to today's splendid flowering of the Church in Korea. Even today their undying spirit sustains the Christians in the Church of silence in the north of this tragically divided land" (Blessed John Paul II, speaking at the canonization).
LECTIO: LUKE
8,1-3
Lectio:
Friday, September 20, 2013
Ordinary Time
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1) Opening prayer
Almighty God,
our creator and guide,
may we serve you with all our hearts
and know your forgiveness in our lives.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
our creator and guide,
may we serve you with all our hearts
and know your forgiveness in our lives.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) Gospel Reading - Luke 8,1-3
Now it happened that Jesus made his way through towns and
villages preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.
With him went the Twelve, as well as certain women who had been cured of evil spirits and ailments: Mary surnamed the 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 own resources.
With him went the Twelve, as well as certain women who had been cured of evil spirits and ailments: Mary surnamed the 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 own resources.
3) Reflection
• In today’s Gospel we have the continuation of yesterday’s
episode which spoke about the surprising attitude of Jesus with regard to
women, when he defends the woman, who was known in the town as a sinner,
against the criticism of the Pharisee. Now at the beginning of chapter 8, Luke
describes Jesus who goes through the villages and towns of Galilee and the
novelty is that he was not only accompanied by the disciples, but also by the
women disciples.
• Luke 8, 1: The Twelve who follow Jesus. In one phrase alone, Luke describes the situation: Jesus goes through towns and villages preaching and proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God and the Twelve are with him. The expression “to follow Jesus” (cf. Mk 1, 18; 15, 41) indicates the condition of the disciple who follows the Master, twenty-four hours a day, trying to imitate his example and to participate in his destiny.
• Luke 8, 2-3: The women follow Jesus. What surprises is that at the side of the men there are also women “together with Jesus”. Luke places both the men and the women disciples at the same level because all of them follow Jesus. Luke has also kept some of the names of some of these women disciples: Mary Magdalene, born in the town of Magdala. She had been cured, and delivered from seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, steward of Herod Antipa, who was Governor of Galilee; Suzanne and several others. It is said that they “served Jesus with their own goods” Jesus allows a group of women “to follow” him (Lk 8, 2-3; 23, 49; Mk 15, 41). The Gospel of Mark when speaking about the women at the moment of Jesus’ death says: “There were some women who were observing at a distance and among them Mary of Magdala, Mary, the mother of James the younger and Joset, and Salome, who followed him and served him when he was still in Galilee, and many others who had gone up with him to Jerusalem (Mk 15, 40-41). Mark defines their attitude with three words: to follow, to serve, to go up to Jerusalem. The first Christians did not draw up a list of these women disciples who followed Jesus as they had done with the twelve disciples. But in the pages of the Gospel of Luke the name of seven of these women disciples are mentioned: Mary Magdalene, Jeanna, wife of Chuza, Suzanne (Lk 8, 3), Martha and Mary (Lk 10, 38), Mary, the mother of James (Lk 24, 10) and Anna, the prophetess (Lk 2, 36), who was eighty-four years old. Number eighty-four is seven times twelve: the perfect age! The later Ecclesiastical tradition does not value this fact about the discipleship of women with the same importance with which it values the following of Jesus on the part of men. It is a sin!
The Gospel of Luke has always been considered as the Gospel of women. In fact, Luke is the Evangelist who presents the largest number of episodes in which he underlines the relationship of Jesus with the women, and the novelty is not only in the presence of the women around Jesus, but also and, above all, in the attitude of Jesus in relation to them. Jesus touches them and allows them to touch him without fear of being contaminated (Lk 7, 39; 8, 44-45.54). This was different from the teachers of that time, Jesus accepts women who follow him and who are his disciples (Lk 8, 2-3; 10, 39). The liberating force of God, which acts in Jesus, allows women to raise and to assume their dignity (Lk 13, 13). Jesus is sensitive to the suffering of the widow and is in solidarity with her sorrow (Lk 7, 13). The work of the woman who prepares the meal is considered by Jesus like a sign of the Kingdom (Lk 13, 20-21). The insistent widow who struggles for her rights is considered the model of prayer (Lk 18, 1-8), and the poor widow who shares the little that she has with others is the model of dedication and donation (Lk 21, 1-4). At a time when the witness of women is not accepted as something valid, Jesus accepts women and considers them witnesses of his death (Lk 23, 49), of his burial (Lk 22, 55-56) and of his resurrection (Lk 24, 1-11. 22-24).
• Luke 8, 1: The Twelve who follow Jesus. In one phrase alone, Luke describes the situation: Jesus goes through towns and villages preaching and proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God and the Twelve are with him. The expression “to follow Jesus” (cf. Mk 1, 18; 15, 41) indicates the condition of the disciple who follows the Master, twenty-four hours a day, trying to imitate his example and to participate in his destiny.
• Luke 8, 2-3: The women follow Jesus. What surprises is that at the side of the men there are also women “together with Jesus”. Luke places both the men and the women disciples at the same level because all of them follow Jesus. Luke has also kept some of the names of some of these women disciples: Mary Magdalene, born in the town of Magdala. She had been cured, and delivered from seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, steward of Herod Antipa, who was Governor of Galilee; Suzanne and several others. It is said that they “served Jesus with their own goods” Jesus allows a group of women “to follow” him (Lk 8, 2-3; 23, 49; Mk 15, 41). The Gospel of Mark when speaking about the women at the moment of Jesus’ death says: “There were some women who were observing at a distance and among them Mary of Magdala, Mary, the mother of James the younger and Joset, and Salome, who followed him and served him when he was still in Galilee, and many others who had gone up with him to Jerusalem (Mk 15, 40-41). Mark defines their attitude with three words: to follow, to serve, to go up to Jerusalem. The first Christians did not draw up a list of these women disciples who followed Jesus as they had done with the twelve disciples. But in the pages of the Gospel of Luke the name of seven of these women disciples are mentioned: Mary Magdalene, Jeanna, wife of Chuza, Suzanne (Lk 8, 3), Martha and Mary (Lk 10, 38), Mary, the mother of James (Lk 24, 10) and Anna, the prophetess (Lk 2, 36), who was eighty-four years old. Number eighty-four is seven times twelve: the perfect age! The later Ecclesiastical tradition does not value this fact about the discipleship of women with the same importance with which it values the following of Jesus on the part of men. It is a sin!
The Gospel of Luke has always been considered as the Gospel of women. In fact, Luke is the Evangelist who presents the largest number of episodes in which he underlines the relationship of Jesus with the women, and the novelty is not only in the presence of the women around Jesus, but also and, above all, in the attitude of Jesus in relation to them. Jesus touches them and allows them to touch him without fear of being contaminated (Lk 7, 39; 8, 44-45.54). This was different from the teachers of that time, Jesus accepts women who follow him and who are his disciples (Lk 8, 2-3; 10, 39). The liberating force of God, which acts in Jesus, allows women to raise and to assume their dignity (Lk 13, 13). Jesus is sensitive to the suffering of the widow and is in solidarity with her sorrow (Lk 7, 13). The work of the woman who prepares the meal is considered by Jesus like a sign of the Kingdom (Lk 13, 20-21). The insistent widow who struggles for her rights is considered the model of prayer (Lk 18, 1-8), and the poor widow who shares the little that she has with others is the model of dedication and donation (Lk 21, 1-4). At a time when the witness of women is not accepted as something valid, Jesus accepts women and considers them witnesses of his death (Lk 23, 49), of his burial (Lk 22, 55-56) and of his resurrection (Lk 24, 1-11. 22-24).
4) Personal questions
• How is woman considered in your community, in your country, in
your Church?
• Compare the attitude of our Church with the attitude of Jesus.
• Compare the attitude of our Church with the attitude of Jesus.
5) Concluding Prayer
God, examine me and know my heart,
test me and know my concerns.
Make sure that I am not on my way to ruin,
and guide me on the road of eternity. (Ps 139,23-24)
test me and know my concerns.
Make sure that I am not on my way to ruin,
and guide me on the road of eternity. (Ps 139,23-24)
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