Memorial of St. Andrew Kim Tae-gon, priest and martyr, and St. Paul Chong Ha-sang, martyr and companions, martyrs
(I Corinthians 15:12-20; Luke 8:1-3)
St. Andrew Kim Tae-gon was the first native Korean to be
ordained a priest. After formation he
returned to his native country where Christianity was forbidden. He ministered to his people for a while but
eventually was taken into custody. He
was tortured and beheaded at the age of twenty-five. His dying testimony reflects the spirit of
Mary Magdalene in today’s gospel. Andrew
said as he was being put to death: “My immortal life is on the point of
beginning.”
No doubt, Mary Magdalene felt her life beginning anew when
she met Jesus. She had been possessed by
“seven demons.” Whether or not she had
the traumatic experiences of those claiming to be possessed today, she likely underwent
severe harassment. Jesus relieved the
condition and gave her new purpose. Of
course, she wanted to stay close to him.
That is what eternal life is about.
We should want the same.
Jesus delivers us from the roads that ultimately lead us nowhere:
pleasure, power, and prestige. He gives
us not just the promise of immortal life but meaning and goodness every
day. Even if it means martyrdom like St.
Andrew Kim’s, we stand in the best good company with Jesus.
