Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Tuesday Week 34 Ordinary time - November 24, 2020

 TUESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2020

MEMORIAL OF ST. ANDREW DUNG-LAC AND COMPANIONS (Martyrs)

 Apocalypse 14:14-19

Luke 21:5-11

 WE TOO CAN GIVE OUR LIVES FOR THE GOSPEL

The blood of the martyrs is indeed the seed of faith. Vietnam was closed to the word of God for a very long time, until the 16th and 17th century when missionaries from various parts of Europe especially Portugal and France trooped into the place to evangelise the people. Many of these missionaries and those who converted to the Christian faith were persecuted and many were killed. The fact that we have over 6 million Catholics in Vietnam today can tell us how many people were killed. The rulers did everything possible to get rid of the Christian faith in Vietnam. Those who had converted were forced to apostasize or be killed. A  report shows that between 1620 and 1862 , between 100,000 to 300,000 Christians lost their lives to the persecution.

At four different times between 1900 and 1951, these martyrs were beatified, and they were all canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 18, 1988.

As we enjoy the Christian faith today, let us know that many missionaries and the early converts in our various places, made a lot of sacrifices for us. Let us also make sacrifices so that those who will come after us will have a better environment to practice their faith. We should not be afraid to die for our faith. Our blood and sacrifices today, are the seed that will germinate for a better future. God help us. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSPAJA

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