The Memorial of St Paul Miki and Companions

Heb. 12:4-7.11-15, Mk 6:1-6. If we are discouraged by the apparent failure of our efforts to share our faith and love with others, it is interesting to know that Jesus experienced the same. Today's first reading encouraged Jewish-Christian about the suffering and sacrifice they must bear. Trials are sent by God to test us and make us stronger. If we can only persevere in what God wants from us, we will not fail to obtain the grace of God. The people of Nazareth would have obtained the grace of God if they recognised Christ. Instead, they sneered and indeed despised Him.

As one of their own, Jesus was just ordinary to be taken seriously. Sometimes, we find ourselves in such case of 'familiarity breeding contempt' when we fail to recognise the presence of God in the ordinary events of life. Today, we are invited to see familiar events with new eyes. St Paul Miki and companions saw Jesus differently and gave up their lives for Christ. Paul Miki was born in Japan between 1564 and 1566. He joined the Society of Jesus and preached the Gospel to the Japanese with great success. When a persecution of the Catholics arose he was arrested together with twenty-five others. Mocked and tortured, they were eventually taken to Nagasaki on 5 February 1597, bound to crosses and speared.

May the Lord teach us to make His name known among men until the faith that overcomes the world brings us through to our everlasting homeland! Good morning and have a great day!!!