“I AM WRITING THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO YOU SO THAT… YOU MAY KNOW HOW ONE OUGHT TO BEHAVE IN THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD” (1 Tim 3:14-15)

⏰Wednesday of the Twenty-Fourth Week of Ordinary Time 1 (20 September 2017 – Memorial of St. Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang & Comp)

????1 Tim 3:14-16; Ps 111:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6 (R.v.2a); Luke 7:31-35

In 1 Tim 3:14-16, St. Paul instructs the leaders to remain attached to the fundamental truths of the history of salvation which were handed down to us. Obviously, some people, out of selfish interests, try to deviate from those fundamental truths (see Luke 7:31-35). Trying to fault them would definitely lead to persecution.

Do you see how the Jews especially the Pharisees and the leaders were always looking out to see what case they will bring against Jesus? Have you equally been facing similar thing in your Christian journey? Never get discouraged; keep working on for you shall be vindicated in the spirit (1 Tim 3:16).

In the nineteenth century, the Christians in Korea faced great persecution that led to the martyrdom of great number of them who we celebrate today. The blood they shed for the sake of Christ became the seed of strong faith in parts of Korea today, especially in the South. But the Christians in North Korea still face great persecution and we are encouraged to remember them in our prayers daily, for courage in bearing authentic witness for Christ.

May God also give us the courage to stand by the truth at all times no matter what it may cost us. And based on his promise (cf. John 8:32), may the truth set us free from all physical and spiritual bondages through Christ our Lord. Amen.

May you have a day of empowerment and breakthrough. Peace be with you.