The Memorial of Saints Paul Miki and Companions
Readings:
Gen.1:1-19, Ps.104, Mark 6:53-56
Rev.
Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.
EXPERIENCING
THE HEALING TOUCH OF JESUS
In creation story, we were told that God
created everything so good and perfect just as we have it in our first reading
today. But out of pride and greediness, humanity have destroyed and keep on
destroying the good things that God has entrusted to us. As a result of this
humanity are suffering the consequences of our destructive actions which
manifest in different from such as: natural disasters, illnesses, diseases, afflictions, slavery and
troubles.
But time and time again, God though not
pleased with this destructive nature of humanity, has not stopped to restore
humanity back to it glorious state. This gracious act of restoration is made
more evident in the life and mission of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to
redeem us through the path of humility and love.
Little wonder in our Gospel passage today, we
heard of the great works of Jesus who was then at Galilee, ministering to the
people who came to him seeking to be healed from their various illnesses,
diseases, afflictions, slavery and troubles. People kept on bringing their sick
ones to him and many people who had faith in him were healed by merely touching
his cloak. This passage summarizes what
Jesus was doing for the people. It indicates the tremendous desire of the
people to be healed and made whole by Jesus. Thus, the presence of Jesus
brought Joy and relieve to them.
Dear friends, God really cares about us, for
no matter the situation we may find ourselves, we must know that the touch of
Jesus heals and restores everything. Therefore, we all are called to embrace
the loving touch of Jesus and cooperate with him in his work and mission of
healing and restoration of humanity, just like Paul Miki and Companions whose
memorial we are celebrating today. They are the Holy Martyrs of Nagasaki in
Japan.
This Twenty-Six 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 their good Shepard. They remained faithful to the very
end and faced martyrdom with courage and so received from Jesus the Good
Shepherd, the crown of true and everlasting glory.
Hence, let us discern what we can do in order
to contribute in our little ways, towards
ensuring the restoration of humanity and all God’s creation which we are
destroying by our lives and actions. let us seek to renew our faith in God and grow stronger in our love and
devotion towards him. The people in our Gospel today rushed towards Jesus with
their needs and their hopes because they recognized him. Maybe we need to
follow their example by bringing to him those things in us that are still in
need of healing and restoration.
LET US PRAY:
Lord God, we submit our lives into your care, let your healing touch restore us
once again. And through the
intercessions of SS. Paul Miki and
Companions, may the victims of human persecutions and slavery experience
restoration and the healing touch of Jesus in their lives. We ask this through
Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed week.
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