Proper readings for the Memorial of Sts. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions
Biographical Information about St. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn
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| “Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and His Companions, Martyrs” artist and date are unknown |
Like a stream is the king’s heart in the hand of the Lord;
wherever it pleases him, he directs it.
All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes,
but it is the Lord who proves hearts.
To do what is right and just
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Haughty eyes and a proud heart–
the tillage of the wicked is sin.
The plans of the diligent are sure of profit,
but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty.
Whoever makes a fortune by a lying tongue
is chasing a bubble over deadly snares.
The soul of the wicked man desires evil;
his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes.
When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser;
when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
The just man appraises the house of the wicked:
there is one who brings down the wicked to ruin.
He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor
will himself also call and not be heard.
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Commentary on Prv 21:1-6, 10-13
This list of wisdom sayings is part of the first collection of the sayings of Solomon. These verses are a loose collection of sayings that support various elements of the Law of Moses. The underlying theme is that God’s will is expressed by the faithful through the Holy Spirit operating within them, and that the development of this spirit of holiness is more desirable than material wealth.
“21:13 the cry of the poor: Concern for those in need is expressed several times in Proverbs (14:31; 17:5; 19:17; 22:9). Here, giving help to the poor and underprivileged is a condition for receiving similar treatment in return. The merciless can expect no mercy from the Lord in their own time of need (Matthew 5:7; 6:14-15) (CCC 2443-49) ▪ Poverty is crueler than a beast of prey. You must aid its victims and give ear to their cry. Give that you may receive, and hear that you may be heard. Almsgiving and charity crown us with the glory of God an bring us to the undying happiness that Christ gives to those who love him (St. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Luke 103).” [4]
CCC: Prv 21:1 269
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44
R. (35) Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
Blessed are they whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
The way of truth I have chosen;
I have set your ordinances before me.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
Give me discernment, that I may observe your law
and keep it with all my heart.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
Lead me in the path of your commands,
for in it I delight.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
And I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
Blessed are they whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
The way of truth I have chosen;
I have set your ordinances before me.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
Give me discernment, that I may observe your law
and keep it with all my heart.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
Lead me in the path of your commands,
for in it I delight.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
And I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
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Commentary on Ps 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44
Psalm 119 is a hymn in praise of the law and those who keep it. While at times within its structure it takes the form of an individual lament and at others a song of praise, the strophes presented in this reading emphasize its main theme: praise for the Law of Moses and those who follow it.
CCC: Ps119:30 2465
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Gospel: Luke 8:19-21
but were unable to join him because of the crowd.
He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside
and they wish to see you.”
He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers
are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”
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Commentary on Lk 8:19-21
Reflection:
We see in this interview how easily secular values equate greed with the effort or work (that is work and greed are equivalent). The logic is insidious since even the faithful must work to support themselves and their families. According to this popular figure, greed is not only OK, but necessary for survival.
The second axiom contained within our short parable is the exhortation against lying. Telling a mistruth, duping some poor soul out of his meager portion, is perfectly acceptable to the greedy and praised by secular values. Is not “Buyer Beware” the byword of commerce?
For those of us trying to follow Christ in this world of greed, where taking advantage of the less fortunate, the powerless, and the poor is perfectly acceptable behavior in many circles, following Christ is a difficult thing. We must not be pressured into falling into the deadly snares so ignored by those who would lead us into spiritual destruction.
“My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” These words from St. Matthew should drive us toward the virtue of charity. Charity of heart is the great combatant of greed because it gives to those who are not just poor in the material sense but poor also in spirit. We, as a people who hear the word of God and act on it, are called to always act out of charity of heart toward all those we meet.
Pax
[1] The picture is “Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and His Companions, Martyrs” artist and date are unknown.
[2] S.S. Commemoratio
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[4] Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, © 2012, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA. p. 40.
[1] The picture is “Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and His Companions, Martyrs” artist and date are unknown.
[2] S.S. Commemoratio
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[4] Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, © 2012, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA. p. 40.
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