Thursday, September 20, 2007

Memorial of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest and Martyr,


and Saint Paul Chong Hasang, martyr, and their companions, martyrs

Biographical Information about St. Andrew Kim Taegon[1]
Biographical Information about St. Paul Chong Hasang

Readings for Thursday of the 24th Week of Ordinary Time[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 1 Tm 4:12-16

In this selection from St. Paul’s Letter we hear the evangelist instructing St. Timothy on his pastoral duties and conduct. St. Paul urges him to use his God given gifts to their fullest and to set an example for his congregation. Timothy is reminded that what was conferred upon him through the imposition of hands by the presbyterate, the Holy Spirit will lead he and those he serves to salvation.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 111:7-8, 9, 10
R. How great are the works of the Lord!

We continue with Psalm 111, a song of praise. Creation and salvation flow from the Heavenly Father and his faithful rejoice in his promise.

Gospel Lk 7:36-50

This passage from St. Luke’s Gospel gives us an excellent example of the relation between forgiveness and love. Jesus uses the radical actions of the sinful woman to demonstrate the extreme pardon the Lord will bestow on those who love him. He contrasts this with the luke-warm acts of love demonstrated by the Pharisee who should expect even less in return.


Homily:

Love and forgiveness; that is the message we take from the Gospel today. Jesus is clearly moved by the sinful woman’s actions of washing and kissing his feet. He understands that her tears are those of repentance and recognition of her past failings. In stark contrast he also has with him Simon the Pharisee in whose home he is dinning. Simon is satisfied that he is doing God’s will in offering hospitality to Jesus and is offended that the Lord should allow this sinful woman to approach him in his home.

Love and forgiveness; the Lord sees the love both of these people have for him as we might see the level of water in a cup. The woman expresses the full measure of love overflowing in her tears while the Pharisee has barely wetted the bottom of that vessel. Who, the Lord asks in his parable, will receive the greatest reward in the end?

Love and forgiveness; that message comes to us. How do we respond to those with whom we have contact, especially those closest to us? Do we ask for forgiveness from those we have wronged, expressing our love for on another as Christ demanded? Or do we hide in the darkness, too proud to admit that we were wrong? Do we extend our forgiveness to others, even without being apologized to, when we are wronged? Or do we harbor the anger and ill will, letting it fester within us?

Love and forgiveness is the lesson we take from the Gospel and the one so eloquently expressed by the noble Saints whose memorial we celebrate today. They gave up their lives for the Gospel and like the Lord himself blessed their tormentors as they went from this life to the next. Can the message today be any clearer?

Pax

[1] The pictures of Saints Andrew Kim Taegon and Paul Chong Hasang are from Holy Cards, artists and dates are UNKNOWN
[2] After Links to Readings Expire

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