Memorial of Sts. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs
Sts. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, priest, Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, martyred in Korea, during the anti-Catholic persecution waged in the nineteenth century. They are the first canonized saints of this Asian country.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Prv 21:1-6, 10-13
Like a stream is the king’s heart in the hand of the LORD; wherever it pleases Him, he directs it. All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes, but it is the LORD who proves hearts. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and a proud heart– the tillage of the wicked is sin. The plans of the diligent are sure of profit, but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty. Whoever makes a fortune by a lying tongue is chasing a bubble over deadly snares. The soul of the wicked man desires evil; his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes. When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser; when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge. The just man appraises the house of the wicked: there is one who brings down the wicked to ruin. He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also call and not be heard.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44 (R.35)
R.Guide me, Lord, in the way of Your commands.
Blessed are they whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD. R.
Make me understand the way of Your precepts,
and I will meditate on Your wondrous deeds. R.
The way of truth I have chosen;
I have set Your ordinances before me. R.
Give me discernment, that I may observe Your law
and keep it with all my heart. R.
Lead me in the path of Your commands,
for in it I delight. R.
And I will keep Your law continually,
forever and ever. R.
Gospel – Lk 8:19-21
The mother of Jesus and His brothers came to Him but were unable to join Him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and My brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”
Featured Saints
St. John Charles Cornay, priest and martyr (†1837). French priest from the Paris Foreign Missions Society, he was subjected to torture and finally beheaded in Son Tay (Vietnam).
St. José Maria de Yermo y Parres, priest and founder (†1904). He cared for those in need with untiring energy and abnegation, becoming known in Mexico as the “Giant of charity. He founded the Congregation of the Servants of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and of the Poor.
Blessed Thomas Johnson, priest and martyr (†1537). Religious from the Charterhouse in London. He died from starvation while in the Newgate prison where he was incarcerated for his fidelity to the Church with nine other Carthusian monks.
Blessed Maria Teresa of St. Joseph, virgin (†1938). Foundress of the Congregation of Carmelites Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus. She died in Sittard, Holland.
Blessed Francis de Posadas, priest (†1713). Dominican religious who dedicated himself to preaching in Andalusia for 40 years, distinguished for his humility, penitence and charity.
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