(bas-relief sculpture of the twenty-six martyrs on the church of the same name- Nagasaki, Japan)
Today is the feast day of Saint Paul Miki and twenty-five others whose profession of love for God was reason for their execution.
From Archbishop Terrence Prendergast's blog (emphasis mine):
"The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ. I thank God it is for this reason that I die. I believe that I am telling the truth before I die. I know you believe me and I want to say to you all once again: Ask Christ to help you become happy. I obey Christ. After Christ's example, I forgive my persecutors. I do not hate them. I ask God to have pity on all, and I hope my blood will fall on my fellow men as a fruitful rain." - Saint Paul Miki
The bolded line strikes me more than anything. Only through God can we be happy. If Saint Paul Miki can see that, why can anyone else?
(a bas-relief sculpture of hidden Christians- Kirishtan- outside of the old Oura church, Nagasaki, Japan)
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