Daily Gospel Reflection
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February 6, 2020
Jesus called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics.
He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”
So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Reflection
My wife and I had just arrived in Rome and were setting out from our hotel for a little sightseeing before dinner. As we descended the stairs to get on the metro we heard the bells ding as an indication that our ride was about to depart. We both sprinted onto the train, but unfortunately, we boarded two different cars. When I realized she wasn’t with me, I stepped back out onto the platform. After a couple of seconds, I spotted her in the other car, but it was too late. Moments later the train, and my wife, were out of sight.
Much like the apostles in today’s Gospel, my wife did not carry food, a bag, or money with her that day. She can attest that this is a frightening way to travel through a foreign land.
Jesus’ order that his apostles take nothing with them on the journey must have been a challenging request for the 12 to accept. He asked them not to rely on themselves, but to have faith that God would provide what they needed. This command required the apostles to have faith that those who accepted their preaching of the Gospel message would welcome them into their homes.
Jesus still sends forth his disciples each and every day. All around the world, even in our own communities, there are people without food, clothing, or money who cannot rely on themselves to meet even these most basic needs. If we believe the good news, let’s do what we can for those in need whom God sends to us.
Prayer
Lord, today you send your disciples out on mission, to spread the good news that the kingdom of God is now among us. You sent them two-by-two. Grant us both the zeal to spread the message of your Gospel wherever you have placed us in life, and grant us the support and encouragement of companionship in faith, that we may never lose heart in our daily efforts on your behalf. Amen.
Saint of the Day
In the 1540s, St. Francis Xavier introduced Christianity to people in Japan. A generation later, Paul Miki was born and raised in the faith, one of the first fruits of the seeds planted by the great Jesuit missionary.
By the 1580s, there were more than 200,000 converts to Christianity in Japan, and the Japanese emperor felt threatened by the new religion. He banished Catholics in 1587, but the Jesuits who continued to serve the faithful there went into hiding and worked in secret.
Paul was born the son of a Japanese military leader and educated by these Jesuits. He wanted to become a priest and began studies. Just before his ordination, the emperor began violently persecuting Christians. Despite this, Paul decided to continue his ministry and was known for his eloquent and intelligent preaching.
Under this persecution, Paul and 25 other men and boys—Jesuits, Franciscans, and lay people—were arrested and condemned to execution. They were forcibly marched 600 miles throughout Japan so as to be an example to other people. Villagers abused them as they passed by, but the Christians sang the Te Deum, an early Christian hymn of praise.
By the time the group entered Kyoto, their ears had been severed and blood streamed down their necks. The sight of these suffering Christians inspired sadness and compassion among the witnesses, many of whom were moved to become Christians themselves. The Christians were then taken to a hill near Nagasaki and tied to crosses. Executioners killed the martyrs by stabbing them in the stomachs with swords.
As he was awaiting death, Paul said, “The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ. I thank God it is for this reason that I die. I believe that I am telling the truth before I die. I know you believe me and I want to say to you all once again: Ask Christ to help you become happy. I obey Christ. After Christ's example, I forgive my persecutors. I do not hate them. I ask God to have pity on all, and I hope my blood will fall on my fellow men as a fruitful rain.”
Indeed it did. St. Paul Miki and his companions were the first martyrs of Japan, and their example sustained the Christian community there with courage, even as it survived underground for 300 years. The story of St. Paul Miki’s martyrdom and his image are used by high school students who come to campus for a summer conference with the Notre Dame Vision program.
St. Paul Miki and Companions, martyrs whose example encouraged Christians in Japan—pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Paul Miki is an illustration by Julie Lonneman, who holds exclusive rights to the further distribution and publication of her art. Used with permission.