Friday, January 31, 2025

Memorial of Saint John Bosco, priest

(Hebrews 10:32-39; Mark 426-34)

Today’s reading from Hebrews speaks of youthful enthusiasm about one’s faith, followed by doubts and thoughts of abandonment.  The author pleas with the people to resist such temptations.  He names for them the sacrifices already made and assures them that withdrawal will mean the loss of great return on their investment.

We can see in the life of St. John Bosco an example of what the Letter to the Hebrews teaches.  After his ordination to the priesthood, the saint was introduced to the wealthy patrons and given a position as chaplain of a hospice for working girls.  However, Bosco did not abandon his desire to serve Christ by helping destitute boys.  He resigned from the chaplaincy and established a hospice and technical school for boys.  He also organized a congregation of priests to work with him in providing such services.  After his death, forty thousand people participated in his funeral.

We too might feel tremors of faith at times and wonder if it is worth the effort to live the gospel.  When these temptations arise, let us remember the plea of the Letter to the Hebrews and the lives of saints like John Bosco. 

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

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

(I Timothy 3:14-16; Luke 7:31-35)

Today the Church honors the first Korean martyr-saints.  Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions gave their lives in witness for their faith in the middle of the nineteenth century.  Andrew Kim was Korea’s first native priest, but most of the people canonized with him were lay women and men.  In today’s gospel Jesus foretells the glory of such heroic people.

He is seen trying to explain why people are not repenting of their egoistic ways.  He says that they have been approached in two very different ways.  John the Baptist came to them as a fire and brimstone preacher.  His ascetic life was meant to convert people from their rather exclusive self-concern.  Jesus himself is preaching the love of God for all people including the worse of sinners.  Yet people still will not open their hearts.  Almost in exasperation he says, “Wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”  He means that not only John and himself but also the many martyrs to follow will demonstrate the wisdom of repentance.  They will be glorified in heaven while those who refuse to love others will suffer want.

We live in a narcissistic time. Facebook and other social communication foster egotism and minimize the value of concern for neighbor.  Those who vaunt themselves can hardly be called true followers of the Lord.  While those who die to themselves for the sake of God will find themselves sitting with Jesus and the martyrs in glory.