Memorial of St. Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs
“You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on.”
Today the Church honors the memory of St. Paul Miki and Companions who died in 1597. These 26 martyrs of Japan were crucified on a hill, now known as the Holy Mountain, overlooking Nagasaki. Among them were priests, brothers and laymen, Franciscans, Jesuits and members of the Secular Franciscan Order; there were catechists, doctors, simple artisans and servants, old men and innocent children—all united in a common faith and love for Jesus and his Church.
Here is a remarkable contrast of traditions before our minds.
In the Gospel we hear that “the Pharisees with some scribes … observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands…. (while the Jews ) “do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders.”
In Japan we hear: “When missionaries returned to Japan in the 1860s, at first they found no trace of Christianity. But after establishing themselves they found that thousands of Christians lived around Nagasaki and that they had secretly preserved the faith.”
Hear this in the words of St. Paul Miki:
I am a true Japanese. The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ. I certainly did teach the doctrine of Christ. … I believe that I am telling only 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 to 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.”
Reflection by Fr. Xavier Nacke, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections