Today's reflection ties together ancient wisdom, contemporary challenges, and a powerful historical testament to faith. We touch on the stories of King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba, and Jesus' ongoing dialogue with the Pharisees, but the heart of our message celebrates Our Lady of Lourdes, whose Feast we celebrate today.
We dive into the extraordinary story of the "Hidden Christians" of Japan around Nagasaki. Discover how, for over three centuries, these courageous communities endured immense persecution and repression, maintaining their faith without priests, baptizing their children, and tending to the Word of God in secret. Their resilience is a profound witness to unwavering devotion.
Learn about the criteria passed down by the last missionary priest for recognizing true Christian holy men upon their return: the celebration of the Eucharist and the presence of a Statue of Mary. This became the beacon that led entire villages out of hiding when Japan reopened to the world in the 1800s. Their devotion to Mary was instrumental in keeping their faith in Jesus alive, pure, and strong.
This powerful story from history offers a vital Christian witness for us today, reminding us that true faith flourishes even in the most oppressive environments. It highlights how Mary helps us deepen our love for her Son, Jesus. Let us pray for the intercession of the Japanese martyrs and all those who kept the faith alive through pure love for Jesus, inspiring countless others.
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Timeline:
0:00:00 Welcome & Today's Readings (Solomon, Queen of Sheba, Jesus & Pharisees)
0:00:21 Celebrating Our Lady of Lourdes
0:00:31 The Story of Christians in Japan (Book: A Song for Nagasaki)
0:00:47 Centuries of persecution and repression
0:01:14 300 years without a priest
0:01:26 How the community maintained faith (baptisms, tending to the Bible)
0:01:40 The signs for identifying true Christian holy men (Eucharist & Statue of Mary)
0:02:07 Japan reopens & the Catholic priest establishes a church
0:02:16 An entire village knocks on the door
0:02:35 Asking about the Statue of Mary
0:02:44 The priest hears the story of the Hidden Christians
0:02:48 Mary's devotion kept their faith in Jesus alive
0:02:56 Coming out of hiding after centuries
0:03:10 A powerful witness of faith
0:03:21 The importance of Christian witness today
0:03:25 Mary helps us love her Son
0:03:32 Prayer for the Japanese Martyrs
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