Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. — Psalm 118:1

Mass Readings: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 / Luke 7:36-50 

Living My Faith 

Today is the memorial of Sts. Andrew Kim Taegõn, Paul Chõng Hasang, and their companions — all martyred in Korea between 1839 and 1867. Although Christianity arrived there as early as 1592, evangelization was difficult because Korea refused all contact with the outside world. At 15, Andrew Kim Taegõn left Korea to attend the seminary in China. He returned six years later to a country where Christians were routinely martyred. His own father was killed. Andrew was clandestinely helping missionaries into Korea when he was caught, arrested, tortured, and finally beheaded. Forty-five-year-old Paul Chõng Hasang was one of 92 lay apostles martyred during this period. Today, there are 4.7 million Catholics in Korea. 

It’s not likely that I’ll be asked to die for my faith. But I’m expected to live it fully, without apologies, as they did. 

Prayer: Sts. Andrew and Paul, pray that I have the steadfastness to fully live my faith.