Monday 7 February

Saints Paul Miki and his Companions, Martyrs (M)

1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13; Psalm 132:6-10;
Mark 6:53-56

Grace to endure

St Paul Miki was born in 1562 near Osaka, Japan, and was crucified with 25 others on a hill in Nagasaki in 1597. As a Jesuit seminarian he was ready to give his life for Christ. His life lived out the themes in today’s readings. He encountered Christ in the blood of the new covenant, and in Christ’s giving of himself so that all may have life. Our lives may not involve such physical suffering, but whatever we do suffer, we can offer it to Christ and ask for the grace to endure what we may not be able to change.