Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate the Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, who was a priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and their companions, while simultaneously honouring not just their valiant faith but also the profound significance of their lives and deaths. These brave souls represent a pivotal chapter in the history of the Catholic Church in Korea, a narrative marked by steadfast witnesses to the resurrection of Christ, echoing the powerful messages we receive in our readings today.
In the first reading from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 15:12-20), we are challenged to embrace once again the central tenet of our faith—the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus. Paul makes it abundantly clear that our beliefs depend on this foundational truth: if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is empty, and so too our faith. Without the resurrection, we are left in the darkness of despair. But what power there is in the acknowledgment of Christ’s rising! Just as He conquered death, so too do we believe that we have the hope of eternal life.
Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, along with their companions, exemplified this hope through their martyrdom.
In the 19th century, during a time when Christianity faced severe persecution in Korea, these courageous individuals demonstrated unwavering faith in the face of imminent danger. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn was the first Korean priest, and he committed his life to evangelization, drawing many to the light of Christ. Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, was a lay man and leader who urged others to embrace the faith, risking his life to share the liberating message of the gospel.
Their martyrdom was not only an act of defiance against oppressive regimes; it was a powerful testament to their belief in the resurrection. They understood the weight of their mission—just as Paul outlined to the Corinthians that if we hope in Christ only for this life, we are most pitiable. Instead, Andrew and Paul, along with their companions, chose to look beyond the confines of earthly existence. They knew that their stake in the resurrection granted them a hope that even death could not extinguish.
In today's Gospel (Luke 8:1-3), we see Jesus on a journey accompanied by His disciples, including devoted women who
were transformed by His healing power. They supported Him through their resources, serving as a model for us on how the proclamation of the Kingdom of God thrives through commitment and sacrifice. Just as these women played an integral role in Jesus's ministry, Andrew, Paul, and their fellow martyrs shaped the Church in Korea through their relentless faith. They were witnesses not only in word but in action, demonstrating how to live the good news, even when it may cost us everything.
This is a call for us today as well. To live the gospel means to embrace the fullness of our faith, including the potential for sacrifice. We live in a world that often questions the resurrection, and attacks all that is sacred whether by blatant or subtle means, so as to distract us from our vocation. Yet, we find encouragement in the example of the martyrs to deepen our commitment to Christ. Their lives remind us that true faith is not just about the moments of joy but also about standing firm in trials. May their courage inspire us to be bold witnesses in our time, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ as we re-commit ourselves to him daily, through the intercession and under the patronage of our Blessed Mother. Our Lady, Queen of All Martyrs, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
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