SATURDAY 6TH FEBRUARY 2021
MEMORIAL OF STS. PAUL MIKI AND COMPANIONS, (MARTYRS)
Hebrews 13:15-17,20-21 Mark 6:30-34
THE FEAR OF DEATH IS A LIMITATION
Death is a mystery which no one wants to unravel. Many people do not like to discuss the topic of death because it changes nothing to do so. That is why one of the first instincts of the human person is self preservation. People run away from dangerous places. Nevertheless, some people are of the opinion that there are times in life when people do not fear death anymore. These are mainly time of grave sickness and old age. It is also encouraging when people take decisions in life that reflect the fact that they do not regard this earthly life and everything in it as ultimate.
Today as we celebrate the memorial of St. Paul Miki and his companions, we see very clearly in their lives, how they bore witness to the gospel in Japan without fear of persecution. They knew that preaching the gospel among the Japanese was a death sentence, but Miki and his companions never relented in preaching the good news. Though he lost his life to it, the fragments of the Christian faith we see in Japan today is owed to his heroic life. The fear of death limits us, once you conquer the fear of death, you have solved most of your problems in life. Nevertheless, the fear of death can only be conquered when you are with God and not attached to anything. God help us to think and look beyond our physical death. Amen
Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP
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