Memorial of Paul Miki, S.J. [329] 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13 Psalm 132:6-7, 8-10 Mark 6:53-56

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer Student Daily Reflection

The last few weeks have been crammed with many wonderful opportunities and challenges, but I’m drowning in a sea of obligations. I feel as if I am rushing from one to the other, not able to breathe before the next obligation is upon me. Today’s Gospel made me think of how it must have been the same for Jesus. The disciples had barely tied up the boat and people were scurrying to bring sick people for Jesus to cure. It must have been at times overwhelming. But Jesus must have been nourished by the faith of those people, who only wanted to touch the tassel of his cloak. My faith should nourish me even in the busiest of times. I can feed that faith by taking time even when life is hectic and I have no time, by praying, by taking time to rest in God.

That rest can be a deep breath and quieting of myself so the noise of the outside dims and the busy gears turning in my brain slow down. That rest and quiet can help me to really focus on what’s important, to ask God for the strength to do my best and the strength when life becomes overwhelming to ask for help from him and others. Sometimes we have to ask God for the strength to say no to more obligations and to be serene in that decision.

Today we also celebrate the life of St. Paul Miki and companions. St. Paul Miki was a Japanese Jesuit brother who, along with 23 other clergy and lay people, was killed in 1597 by those fearful of his influence. His companions that day included artisans and simple laborers as well as clergy. His forgiveness of those who persecuted him reminds me that I must open my own heart and practice forgiveness at every level of my life.