February 6th: Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs
Gospel text Mt 28:16-20
Then Jesus approached and said to them, “Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit..."
Gospel's Commentary
Today we celebrate Saint Paul Miki and companions, martyrs of Japan in the 16th century. The story of the martyrdom of these saints describes the atmosphere of prayer when they were crucified and still alive: Brother Martin intoned some psalms to give thanks to divine goodness; Brother Francis also, in a very clear voice, was thanking God ... In addition, Pablo Miki - from the cross - took the last moment to try to bring the executioners closer to God: “I willingly forgive the king and all who kill me, and I beg you to want to start in Christian baptism.”
—Every circumstance is an opportunity to evangelize, no matter how adverse it may seem.