Memorial of St. Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs

Today's Mass Readings

Preface: Throughout this coming week, we will ponder the daily Mass readings from the perspective of the liturgical texts given to us in the Roman Missal and the Lectionary—the entrance and communion antiphons, the responsorial refrains, and the gospel acclamations. These texts provide a unique perspective on the scripture passages of each day and often provide a key for understanding the profound spiritual interconnections between these liturgical readings.

Today we celebrate the lives of St. Andre Dung-Lac and his 117 companion martyrs who gave their lives between 1820 and 1862 to establish Christianity in the country of Vietnam. The entrance antiphon for today is most fitting because the emperor of Vietnam attempted to make the Christians deny their faith by trampling upon a crucifix: “May we never boast, except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the word of the Cross is the power of God to us who have been saved” (Cf. Gal 6:14; cf. 1 Cor 1:18). The connection of the cross with the gospel of the day is most apparent in the verse of the gospel acclamation: “Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10c).

The gospel from St. Luke tells of the destruction of the temple and the prediction of the end time when there will be earthquakes, famines, plagues, and mighty signs from the sky. Jesus urges his disciples to remain faithful: “…do not be terrified.” The destruction of the temple is also a reminder of Christ’s death. Recall Jesus’ words “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up” (Jn 2:19). These predictions came to pass at the time of his death: darkness came over the whole land, the temple veil was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked and tombs were opened (Mt 27:45-57). Our first reading from the Book of Revelation also speaks of the end time and the final harvest by an angel wielding a sharp sickle, an angel who looks like “a son of man.” The communion antiphon, drawn from the Beatitudes, offers Jesus’ words of consolation in the time of trial “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 5:10). These words are directed to us as we undergo difficulties in our daily lives to remain steadfast in our faith in spite of the darkness that may threaten us. Like the martyrs of Vietnam, we await the coming of the Kingdom and the resurrection promised to us by the One who has gone before us.

Thought for today: How do I react when others mock or make light of my Catholic faith?

Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB