Crucified with Christ

Feb 6: Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions

Today’s Saint of the Day is St. Paul Miki, one of the Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan. Missionaries had reached Japan by the mid-1500s, and at first were welcomed with open arms (because the government wanted to pit them against the Buddhists). But by the end of the century, the shogunate saw the Catholics as a threat of colonialism, and executed 26 of them as an example. They were crucified.

While still on the cross, St. Miki continued to preach: “The sentence of judgment says these men came to Japan from the Philippines, but I did not come from any other country. I am a true Japanese. The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ. I certainly did teach the doctrine of Christ. I thank God it is for this reason I die. I believe that I am telling only 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 to 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.”

After that speech, how could I not choose the readings from St. Paul Miki’s memorial?

Reading 1

Gal 2:19-20

Brothers and sisters: Through the law I died to the law, that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me.

That first line really is confusing, it’s not just a weird translation. The most likely explanation is that Paul is continuing a train of thought from a few verses earlier, when he talks about how Jews had the law, while Gentiles didn’t, and so had a special insight into the gift that is Jesus. Which is to say, you can’t save yourself simply by doing good things (although you should still do good things).

Christ saves us through His crucifixion and resurrection, so in a sense, we’ve all been crucified, even if we’re still alive (“in the flesh”).

We’re not crucified like St. Paul Miki was, though. That’s a whole ‘nother level.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

R.     Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R.    Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.
Then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R.    Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those who sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R.    Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R.    Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.

This Psalm was written after Israel’s return from exile. Even if the worst should happen, and your entire civilization is destroyed, God hasn’t forgotten you. He can bring you back, even from death.

Alleluia

Mt 28:19a, 20b

R.    Alleluia, alleluia.
Go and teach all nations, says the Lord;
I am with you always, until the end of the world.
R.    Alleluia, alleluia.

This is a message to all missionaries and martyrs. Even if your world ends, Jesus is still with you.

Gospel

Mt 28:16-20

The Eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."

This scene occurs after the resurrection, but still, some had doubts. That’s just the nature of human beings, I think.

Jesus knows this, and says, “Go, anyway.” And they keep persevering, whether it was easy or difficult, whether they had zero doubts or secretly wondered what the whole point was.

We can’t justify ourselves with our actions, but Jesus can. And he encourages us to go out into the world. That’s why St. Paul Miki did what he did, and why we do it, too.