February 2, 2012

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

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Joseph and Mary obeyed the Roman law when they journeyed to Bethlehem to participate in the census. Today we witness their fulfilling the Jewish law by presenting Jesus to the Lord at the temple. What should have been a simple ceremony for this faithful family became far more when the devout Simeon and then the prophetess Anna recognized Jesus as the Messiah. “Coming forth at that very time, (Anna) gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38).

While Simeon spoke directly to the Holy Family, Anna could not contain her joy and wonder. She thanked God and told anyone who would listen that the Holy Child was the Redeemer. At some time, everyone has experienced the urgent feeling that we must share good news with every person we meet. We can follow in Anna’s footsteps by spreading Christ’s message of salvation. We can encourage and support those who work in the Missions to reveal the Good News.

February 5, 2012

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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The Son of God was born for the good of all. His life, death and resurrection had one goal: to redeem all people of every time and place from sin and to rescue all from death. God promised the Jewish people that the Messiah would come from among them and that is what He did in Jesus.

Today’s Gospel shows Jesus traveling with His disciples and teaching His message of mercy. He also reveals His divine power by healing the sick and casting out demons. Even when Jesus tried to pray by Himself, the disciples would not let Him rest. “Those who were with Him…said, ‘Everyone is looking for You.’ He told them, ‘Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come’” (Mark 1:36-38). While Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for the world was yet to come, His words gave hope to all who heard Him. Now we can emulate our Lord by introducing others to Him through our lives and the work of missionaries.

January 6, 2012

Memorial of St. Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

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During His ministry Jesus traveled through many towns speaking words of mercy. He also healed the sick. Jesus’ compassion for those who suffered physically was also a sign of His divine power. So when people heard that Christ was coming, “They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was” (Mark 6:55). Christ’s words also healed the wounded souls of all who heard and believed Him – during His time on earth and throughout the centuries since then.

Today we honor the martyrdom of St. Paul Miki and his companions who were crucified in Nagasaki in 1597. A Japanese Jesuit brother who was preparing for the priesthood, St. Paul Miki and 25 others – Jesuits, Franciscans and lay people – died for the faith. Christianity was outlawed in Japan for nearly 200 years, but when new missionaries came, they found thousands of secret believers. The inspiration of martyrs and missionaries continues to lead people from every corner of the world to follow Christ.