Ask Christ to Help You Become Happy

Today’s scripture testifies to the awesome power of Jesus and his ministry during his short time on earth. What incredible presence he must have had to inspire such fervent hope and belief in those he encountered.

Nearly 1600 years after Jesus’ crucifixion, Br. Paul Miki, a Jesuit novice, would himself be crucified in Nagasaki, Japan, along with 25 other Christian martyrs, for his faith in Jesus Christ. Even while hanging on a cross, Paul Miki preached to the people gathered for the execution:

“The sentence of judgment says these men came to Japan from the Philippines, but I did not come from any other country. I am a true Japanese. The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ. I certainly did teach the doctrine of Christ. I thank God it is for this reason I die. I believe that I am telling only the truth before I die. I know you believe me and I want to say to you all once again: Ask Christ to help you to become happy. I obey Christ. After Christ’s example I forgive my persecutors. I do not hate them. I ask God to have pity on all, and I hope my blood will fall on my fellow men as a fruitful rain.”

“Ask Christ to help you to become happy.” What a wonderful prayer. Today, on the feast of St. Paul Miki and Companions, let us ask Jesus to set our hearts afire again with love for him, and to be truly happy in our lives.

 —Christine Curran is the executive director of the Ignatian Spirituality Project, a Jesuit ministry providing spiritual retreats and companionship to people in recovery from homelessness and addiction in 20+ cities. 

 

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