September 20, 2017
(Ss. Andrew Kim Tae-gon (Priest) and Paul Chong Ha-sang, and Companions, Korean Martyrs)
Jesus said, in the company of the unbelievers, “To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.'” Lk_7:31-35
If you ever tried to console a toddler who was overly-tired, you know exactly what Jesus was talking about today. We might try to suggest that they take a nap, only to receive an obnoxiously screaming “NO.” And when we offer to play with them instead, we get the same response. And we know that, at that point, it could be ice cream, or toys, or even Disney World, and nothing would make a difference.
Jesus explained the attitude of the Pharisees, just like these children. They were not happy dancing nor mourning. But they surely had a complaint, when either option was offered.
Funny, it sounds just like our liberal world today. With no foundation to ground them, they’re groping inside for purpose. And that purpose flutters around like the wind, with the only constancy being their interminable complaining! And the non-sense of their words and actions precisely mimics that of the overly-tired child: insatiable, obnoxious and deaf.
You see, John the Baptist came to prepare them for their long-awaited “nap.” And those who accepted him, found peace through the waters of repentance and reconciliation. They were ready for the refreshing Words of their God and Savior, Jesus.
And they understood the Truth and the Wisdom of His Words. Because those Words were grounded in Love and Compassion, in Justice and in Hope! And those words were validated or vindicated in the actions of Jesus and His disciples; where listening and healing, going the extra mile and humbly giving without complaining – were the hallmarks of their faith.
Fr. Andrew Kim and Paul Chung were a couple of our more modern-day visionaries. With open hearts and minds they accepted and promoted an advancement – from the Class-based society of Confucianism – to the Love-based, human equality and dignity offered by Catholicism, offered by Jesus.
And just like the “NO” of an overly-tired child, and the “NO” of a stubborn Pharisee, the Korean leaders refused to relinquish their oppressive power, and proceeded to massacre thousands upon thousands of Christians throughout the 19th century in Korea.
Fr. Andrew Kim Tae-gon, the first Korean priest, and the men and women who followed in the footsteps of Jesus, offered their lives for their faith. These are our Saintly models for true Christianity. Where love and not vengeance prevails. And where our hope is not in worldly power, but in a Kingdom of Peace and Wisdom and Truth.
Jesus will lead us there!
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Whispers to the Wind 