In 1596, the emperor of Japan intensified the persecution of Christians in Japan, seeking to wipe out the Christian faith from the land. He called for the wholesale arrest of Christians in the entire south-central region of Japan called the Kansai region. Christians there were rounded up and forced to march 600 miles to Nagasaki. There they underwent some of the most brutal tortures in Church history. Those who did not apostatize were hung upon crosses and then skewered with spears. St. Paul Miki had his chest pierced with a lance while tied to a cross on 5 February 1597
While hanging upon a cross, Paul Miki, a 34 year old native Japanese Jesuit, preached to the people gathered for the execution: “The only reason for my being killed”, he said, “is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ… I thank God it is for this reason I die… 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.”
In the Gospel, today, Christ commands us to preach the Gospel and make disciples. St. Paul Miki took serious that missionary mandate. Prior to his arrest his was known for his preaching. Those who were marched to their deaths with him were no doubt people who had converted in response to his preaching. And he continued to preach the Gospel while hanging on the cross.
Nagasaki, the place of those gruesome tortures and martyrdoms, today has the largest Catholic population in Japan.
We must have the courage to preach the Gospel, in season and out. It is the mandate given to us by Christ himself. To be courageous in preaching means to be fearless in expressing the whole Gospel, not simply those parts of it that are attractive to the worldly. It means not allowing the fear of criticism or rejection to hinder the clear communication of these truths, even when Christian truth contradicts societal norms, cultural values, or individuals who may disagree with or challenge Christian beliefs. Courageous preaching involves the willingness to endure social, professional, even physical suffering, if it would further the mission.
Courageous preaching involves trusting that God will preserve you throughout those sufferings, and that’s hard for folks who have a superficial relationship with God. To preach the Gospel with Courage, first the Gospel must take root in our souls—for true courage cannot exist without genuine faith and a living relationship with Christ. Unless we have a living relationship with Christ, unless Christ truly lives in us, there will be no real courageous and effective preaching.
Through the intercession of St. Paul Miki and companions, “may we hold with courage even until death to the faith that we profess”, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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Our Savior’s faithfulness is mirrored in the fidelity of his witnesses who shed their blood for the Word of God. Let us praise him in remembrance of them:
The martyrs freely embraced death in bearing witness for the faith, may we receive the true freedom of the Spirit.
The martyrs professed their faith by shedding their blood, may we have a faith that is constant and pure.
The martyrs followed in your footsteps by carrying the cross, may we endure courageously our earthly trials and all the misfortunes of life.
The martyrs washed their garments in the blood of the Lamb, may we be helped by their prayers to avoid the weaknesses of the flesh and worldly allurements.
That all missionaries may have courage and strength in their witness to the Gospel, for an increase in vocations, and that more men and women will take up the missionary call.
For the sick and suffering among us, for those who care for them, and for all of our beloved dead, especially X, for whom this mass is offered.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord
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