Homily - Saturday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time – Memorial of Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs 

Theme:

“A Faith That Bears Fruit in Perseverance”



Introduction

There is a story of a little boy who planted a bean seed in the garden. Every morning, he would run outside to check if it had grown. By the second day, he became impatient and dug it up to see if it was sprouting. Needless to say, the seed never grew. Sometimes, like this boy, we want quick results in life, but the Gospel today reminds us that God’s Word needs patience, perseverance, and care in order to bear fruit.

The Word of God

  • 1 Timothy 6:13-16 – Paul exhorts Timothy to keep the commandment of faith unstained until the coming of Christ. It is a call to perseverance and fidelity, even under pressure.

  • Psalm 100 – A psalm of joy: “Serve the Lord with gladness.” The psalmist reminds us that worship is not a burden but a joyful response to God’s faithfulness.

  • Luke 8:4-15 – The parable of the sower teaches us that the Word of God can only bear fruit in hearts that are open, deep, and persevering. The good soil represents those who, even in trials, hold firm and live the Word faithfully.

Connection of the Readings

The readings together call us to a faith that is constant and fruitful. Timothy is encouraged to keep the commandment faithfully, the psalmist invites us to serve God with gladness, and Jesus shows us how perseverance in faith leads to a harvest. The martyrs we honour today lived this truth: their soil was fertile, and their witness bore abundant fruit for the Church.

Lessons for Daily Life

  1. Faith is a marathon, not a sprint – We are called to persevere in faith, even when it is hard.

  2. Joy is part of Christian living – Serving God is not about fear, but gladness.

  3. Fruit requires patience – Like the seed, the Word of God needs time, care, and perseverance to transform us.

  4. Witness inspires growth – The martyrs remind us that our courage and fidelity can encourage future generations.

Motivational/Inspirational

When life feels dry or unfruitful, remember that even the seed beneath the soil is silently growing. God works in hidden ways. If you remain faithful, even when nothing seems to change, one day the harvest will come — thirty, sixty, a hundredfold.

Quote of the Day

Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn once said:
“We have received baptism, so we must live as faithful children of God, in joy or in sorrow, in life or in death.”

Final Thoughts

Like the martyrs, we are called to be fertile soil, ready to let God’s Word take root in us. Faith that perseveres, even in difficulty, will always bear fruit.

Message for Those Oppressed in Life

To anyone carrying heavy burdens: do not lose heart. Even if your struggles seem endless, God has planted seeds of hope in you. Hold on in perseverance, for God will not abandon you. Your suffering, like the martyrs’, will bear fruit in ways you may not yet see.

Conclusion

The parable of the sower is not just about hearing the Word but about living it. Let us be good soil — patient, faithful, and joyful — like the martyrs we celebrate today.

Final Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You are the eternal Sower of truth.
Make my heart fertile soil for Your Word.
Give me the patience to wait,
the strength to persevere,
and the courage to bear witness in joy and suffering.
May my life, like that of the Korean martyrs,
bear fruit that lasts for Your Kingdom.
Amen.

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