DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE 24TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration:  St. Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest, and Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions, Martyrs
(19th century). The Christian faith was introduced in  during the 17th century through the zeal of a group of laypersons. But from the very beginning these Christians suffered under terrible persecutions that, over the course of the 19th century, gave the Church many martyrs. Outstanding among these were the first Korean priest and devoted pastor, Andrew Kim of , and the lay apostle, Paul Chong of Hasang. Among the Korean martyrs who struggled valiantly for Christ were bishops and priests, but for the most part they were laity, men and women, married and single, young and old. 

Liturgical Colour: Red

Table of the Word 

First Reading:  1 Timothy 6:13-16 1

Gospel: Luke 8:4-15

Theme: The Seed That Bears Fruit

And the Lord Whispers:

“As for the seed that fell on good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.” (Luke 8:15).

Reflection

Today, we joyfully join the universal Church to celebrate the martyrdom  St. Andrew Kim Taegon and companion. A group consisted of lay faithful noted for firm faith in God amidst tribulation and persecution. 

Obviously, there are no better readings than what proceed from the table of the Word today. 

The Gospel pericope according to Evangelist Luke gives us the Parable of the Sower. Here, Jesus teaches that the Word of God is like seed, and its fruitfulness depends on the soil of our hearts (cf. Luke 8:4–15). Sadly some let distractions or trials choke the Word, but those who persevere in faith become rich harvests for the Kingdom.

This message finds its living example in the Korean Martyrs led by St. Andrew Kim Taegon, the first native Korean priest, St. Paul Chong Hasang, a lay catechist, and over 100 companions. Their hearts were the “good soil” where the Word took root. Despite brutal persecution in the 19th century, they clung to Christ with patient endurance. Their blood became seed, and today the Church in Korea flourishes with vibrant faith.

The first reading taken from 1 Timothy 6:13–16 reminds us of the eternal King who dwells in unapproachable light. The martyrs bore witness to Him before rulers of this world, echoing Christ’s own confession before Pontius Pilate. They teach us that true discipleship is not about comfort but about courageous fidelity to the Word that saves. To buttress this, Evangelist  John says: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24). And Tertullian whose original name was Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus and one of the most fascinating and influential figures in the early Church from African soil strongly established that:  “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” 

To crown it all, the Catechism  has this to say: “Martyrdom is the supreme witness given to the truth of the faith”(CCC 2473).

Beloved in Christ, let us as these great men and women of faith prepare our hearts daily as “good soil” through prayer, silence, and openness to God’s Word.

Let us also be courageous witnesses of faith even in small sacrifices or when our faith is tested. Remembering that endurance, not comfort, produces lasting fruit for the Kingdom.

And finally, He gently whispers: "My child, let My Word take deep root in your heart. In trial, remain steadfast. In love, bear fruit. Your witness, like that of My martyrs, will shine forever.”

+ Peace be with you. 

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