"They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise." (Luke 20: 36).
Today's Scripture Readings by a peculiar arrangement of Divine Providence correspond to the feast of today. Today is the feast of St Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions. St Andrew, a Vietnamese priest was martyred in 1839 along with 117 others, 96 of whom were Vietnamese. Has any other religion the same experience of martyrdom as the Christian faith? In other words, why is it easier for Christians to accept martyrdom? Because of the hope of Resurrection! Christians know that death is not the end of their life.
"Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death, and brought life to light through the Gospel."
(2 Timothy 1: 10).
Just as death of Jesus Christ happened according to the plan and foreknowledge of God so was it for the Vietnamese martyrs and every martyr throughout history. In his vision, John testified that the 2 martyrs were allowed to complete their appointed work before God allowed them to be killed.
"When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the abyss will wage war against them and conquer them and kill them."
(Revelation 11: 7).
Brothers and sisters, millions of Christians have laid down their lives for Christ. Do not be unbelieving and think it was in vain. "May we never boast, except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the word of the Cross is the power of God to us who have been saved."
(Cf. Galatians 6: 14; cf. 1 Corinthians 1: 18).
"Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 10).
This is true and faithful word.
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