The example of the martyrs also teaches us the importance of charity in the life of faith. It was the purity of their witness to Christ, expressed in an acceptance of the equal dignity of all the baptized, which led them to a form of fraternal life that challenged the rigid social structures of their day. It was their refusal to separate the twin commandment of love of God and love of neighbour which impelled them to such great solicitude for the needs of the brethren. Their example has much to say to us who live in societies where, alongside immense wealth, dire poverty is silently growing; where the cry of the poor is seldom heeded; and where Christ continues to call out to us, asking us to love and serve him by tending to our brothers and sisters in need. (Excerpt from Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis, Mass for the Beatification of the Korean Martyrs, Seoul, Gwanghwamun Gate, 16 August 2014)
Posted on: Sat, 16 Aug 2014 05:36:54 +0000