Tuesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints: Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest, and Paul Chong Hasang, and their Companions, Korean Martyrs (18th-19th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 4:44-62 The Tools for Good Works

Mass: Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13; Resp Ps 119; Lk 8:19-21

I will meditate on Your wondrous deeds.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

It is the Lord who proves hearts.

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

(Pr 21:2-3)

We are inspired by the Korean martyrs and the witness given to us through their faith and courage. Nothing is new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9); we face many of the same oppositions today, wherever we are, that they did. We must also be strong and courageous. Yes, thanks be to God we have come into this world. We have work to do. United in faith and prayer, brothers and sisters of Jesus, we listen to the word of God and act on it (Lk 8:21). Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father, says the Lord (Mt 10:32-33).

My brethren and dear friends, think about this time and reflect on it; from the beginning of time God has ordered the heavens, the earth, and all things. Consider the creation of man in this light and reflect on why He has created man, in His image and likeness: why and with what purpose.

If, then, placed as we are in this world full of danger and misery, we do not know the Lord our creator, what is the point in having been born? Our life is pointless. Thanks be to God we have come into this world. Also thanks be to God, we have received baptism, we have entered the Church, and we have received the glorious name of disciples of the Lord.

(From the final exhortation of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, priest and martyr, in Office of Readings, September 20)

SAINTS ANDREW KIM TAEGON, PAUL CHONG HASANG, AND THEIR COMPANIONS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: For today's Korean martyrs. I will keep your law continually.

© Gertrude Feick 2022