Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Andrew Dŭng-Ląc, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs
Readings: Dn 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Daniel 3:62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67; Lk 21:12-19
Notes:
But the God in whose hand is your life breath
and the whole course of your life, you did not glorify (Dan 5:23d).
Reflection
It may help a people who associate Vietnam only with a 20th-century war to realize that the cross has long been a part of the lives of the people of that country. Even as some people ask again the unanswered questions about United States involvement and disengagement, the faith rooted in Vietnam’s soil proves hardier than the forces that willed to destroy it. From…
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-andrew-dung-lac-and-companions
First reading
Fall of King Belshazzar and the Neo-Babylonian Empire per Daniel’s vision:
MENE, TEKEL, and PERES.
MENE, God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it;
TEKEL, you have been weighed on the scales and found wanting;
PERES, your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.
For us a more modest reality:
- MENE is for all as our days are numbered. We are mortal.
- TEKEL is for all as we are in need of a Savior Redeemer.
- PERES is for all as we can only go to the eternal spaces what we did and who we are.
Responsorial Daniel
Give glory and eternal praise to him.
Alleluia Verse
Remain faithful until death,
and I will give you the crown of life.
Gospel Portion
The Franciscan reflection today points to not just the named martyrs, Memorial of Saint Andrew Dŭng-Ląc, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs, but all who in Vietnam gave witness to faith under the most terrible circumstances.
Sometimes I give myself a hard time when I complain about this or that. Seriously, I am a puffball compared to the difficulties of others.
It is when life is difficult and also if/when you are persecuted, our witness is most moving.
You don’t have to prepare a speech.
- Pray.
- Act justly.
- Allow the Lord to speak volumes.
The eloquence is in the prayer and in the justice.
Give glory and eternal praise to him.
Unlike King Belshazzar:
- We glory and praise God.
- Because in the hand of God is our life breath.
- And for the whole course of our life we acknowledge he guides us and comes to our aid.
But he replied, “It is enough!” (Lk 22:38b).
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 