Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs
(Sirach 47:2-11; Mark 6:14-29)
Ten years ago, American filmmaker Martin Scorsese premiered
his version of the persecution of Japanese Christians in the seventeenth
century. The film "Silence" depicts two European
Jesuits who apostatize so that Japanese peasants are not tortured any
longer. Evidently Scorsese believed that
apostasy can be good if done for an appropriate reason.
In fact, the Jesuits involved in the historical incident did
not apostatize. They, like St. Paul Miki
and companions, whom the Church honors today, accepted martyrdom. They knew that the world be better and that they
would be judged favorably if they gave testimony to Jesus Christ as “the way,
the life, and the truth.”
It is a terrible thing to die. It is even more terrible to die young and
after being tortured. But it is far
worse to betray Christ, our Lord, who himself suffered crucifixion to give humans
eternal life. No “appropriate reason”
can turn something evil into something good. However, very good things will
result when we endure evil for the sake of Christ.
