What can anyone do to me?

Readings for Friday February 6, 2009

Memorial of Saint Paul Miki, martyr, and his companions, martyrs

First Reading:  Hebrews 13:1-8

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 27

Gospel:  Mark 6:14-29

In today's gospel reading we are told of the opposition that John the Baptist ran into while staying close to the faith and truth of God.  By speaking out and by living out the faith, John paid with his life because of the opposition from the worldly powers.  Like John, Saint Paul Miki and his companions also sacrificed with their lives for the faith.  Saint Paul Miki was a martyr of Japan, and was arrested for his practice and teaching of Christianity.  After being in prison, him and his fellow Christians were marched 600 miles and abused along the way as to be made an example of.  They were then all hung and died on the cross.  Saint Paul Miki gave his last sermon while hanging from the cross, telling the people of his love for God, of how God is the truth, of his thankfulness for his suffering, and of his forgiveness of his executioners.  I pray that the Lord grant each of us this same strength when faced with opposition from the world.  

John the baptist and Saint Paul Miki teach and remind us that we will all face opposition from the world, and that we must all sacrifice for the faith.  Sometimes they will be smaller sacrifices, while other times the sacrifice will be great.  Regardless of the consequence, we must always have no fear and just rely and trust in the Lord no matter what the world throws at us.  Always remember these words from Saint Paul:  "I will never forsake you or abandon you.  Thus we may say with confidence:  The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid.  What can anyone do to me?" (Heb 13:5-6).  

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day.  Lord, we offer our lives to you and pray that only your will be done in our lives.  Lord, help us to be strong and faithful when challenged and when faced with opposition.  Lord, let us not fear anything that the world may do to us, instead let us fear an eternal life without you.  Lord, we pray for all those who are being persecuted in the world because of their faith, we pray that they may be given the strength of all your martyrs.  We ask this all through Christ our Lord.  Amen.