Today, the Church reminds us of the cost of discipleship. True love for Christ often calls for sacrifice, courage, and perseverance. We are invited to follow Him with faith, even when the path is difficult, trusting that He will never abandon us.
Prayer of the Day
Lord Jesus, give me the grace to follow You faithfully, even when the way is hard. Strengthen my faith, deepen my love, and guide me to live as a true witness of Your Gospel. May my life reflect Your truth and mercy, and may I never be afraid to proclaim Your name. Amen.
Mass Reading of the Day
- First Reading: 1 Timothy 6:13–16 — “Keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5 — “Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.”
- Gospel: Luke 8:4–15 — “The seed is the word of God, and those who hear it with a noble and generous heart bear fruit through perseverance.”
Saint of the Day: Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions
The Church commemorates the Korean Martyrs — 103 brave men and women who gave their lives for the faith in the 19th century. Among them, Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, the first Korean priest, and Saint Paul Chong Hasang, a lay apostle, are especially remembered.
They, along with countless others, endured torture and death for their unwavering devotion to Christ. Their sacrifice planted seeds of faith that continue to bear fruit in the vibrant Korean Catholic Church today.
5 Interesting Facts about the Korean Martyrs
- Over 8,000 Korean Christians were martyred between 1791 and 1888.
- Andrew Kim Taegon was only 25 years old when he was executed.
- Paul Chong Hasang was a lay leader who tirelessly worked to bring missionaries into Korea.
- Despite persecution, the Catholic faith in Korea grew rapidly through laypeople before priests could freely enter.
- They were canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984 in Seoul, South Korea, during a historic Mass attended by millions.
