Homily Fourteenth Thursday of Ordinary Time (Feast of St. Augustine Zhao Rong)
Homily Fourteenth Thursday of Ordinary Time (Feast of St. Augustine Zhao Rong)
Christianity arrived in China in 600 A.D. and Christians have had a difficult time throughout the centuries in China. At times, Christians have been allowed to preach the Gospel. At other time vicious persecutions have broken out against the church.
St. Augustine was martyred in1815. There were many deaths from the 17th to the 20th century as foreign missionaries came into the country. Maryknoll missionaries from the United States tried to evangelize in China throughout the twentieth century. Sometimes they have been allowed to do their work freely. At other times missionaries have been imprisoned and faced death.
St. Augustine began his life as a soldier. He heard Christian preachers in the prison he was guarding. His heart was moved by what was being said. He was also touched by the courage of the missionaries he encountered who risked their life for the sake of the gospel.
Finally, he converted to the faith. Eventually, he became a priest. He was martyred as he aided his bishop in preaching to others. St. Augustine was tortured and died from his ill treatment. He would not renounce his faith. He wanted to be free to practice his religion.
We remember all the people who live in China and wish to be free. Especially, we remember those Chinese who live in Hong Kong and who have been demonstrating against the oppressive government. We can’t help but be moved when we see people shot in the street and imprisoned simply because the want to freely express their beliefs.
The church must be an Icon of freedom. We cannot be afraid of dissenting voices. More and more we hear Catholics sharing freely about what they believe in their hearts about the church. This is a positive development. We pray for all who are persecuted because of their beliefs.
1. Do I feel like people have always been encouraged to share their personal beliefs about the church? Is there a different situation today? Is that good or bad?
2. Is China a repressive country simply because it is Communist? Can any governmental system be corrupted if it comes under the control of a despot?
Dear Parishioner,
We are living through a lot of controversy right now. We celebrate the feast of a Chinese Christian today (St. Augustine Zhoa Rong). As we think of China, we can’t help but think of Coronavirus which we believed started in that country. Many Chinese have gotten sick and some have died.
There are those who would be angry with all Chinese people because of the COVID 19 epidemic. I have heard people from the Far East say that they are afraid as they walk along the streets of the United States. Some have been insulted and even beaten. Our Christian faith does not hold with bigotry of any kind. Let’s challenge those who try to blame people for the misfortune we are now enduring.
This Saturday we are changing the time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We have a wedding at 1 p.m. so Confessions will be at 3 p.m. We ask that you come in the East side door and leave by that door if you are coming to confession. You will need to go to the vestibule to check in with the ushers if you are staying for Mass at 4 p.m.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark