Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Praise be to Jesus Christ

 

How was your week?  

May God of love bless all of you during the Ordinary Time and lead you to hope.  

 

In 2021, we remember two people in particular: Saint Joseph and Saint Andrew Kim Taegon.  

 

Pope Francis in celebrating 150th year of Saint Joseph, Proclaimed patron of the Universal Church, has published “Patris Corde” (Father’s Heart) and proclaimed the year of Saint Joseph.  Pope Francis emphasized the importance of ordinary people during the COVID pandemic.  These are regular people, who are discreet but continue their daily lives through patience, and sow the seeds of community responsibilities and nurture hope.     

 

Saint Joseph was a regular person.  He did not receive any special attention but lived his everyday life fully.  However, he was instrumental in the history of our salvation.  I also hope that our parishioners will also pray in their ordinary life so that they may be one step closer to salvation during this blessed year.  

 

During the year of Saint Joseph (December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021), the Church grants plenary indulgences (remission of the entire temporal punishment for sin) for Catholics: 

March 19, 2021 “Solemnity of Saint Joseph” and 

May 1, 2021 “Feast of Saint Joseph the worker.”  

Especially for the sick and elders, during the COVID pandemic” the plenary indulgences are granted.   

 

The Catholic Church in Korea proclaim 200th birth Anniversary of Martyr Saint Andrew Kim Taegon as the jubilee year in December 2020.  Bishop Lee Yonghoon, head of the bishop church, emphasized “martyrdom” in his recent interview: martyrdom is the treasure of Korean Catholicism, source of our faith, and path to our salvation.  During the perilous period in Korean history, Saint Andrew Kim Taegon depended solely on God and overcame the horrific persecutions and marched the path of victory.  I also hope that we can carry our own cross and overcome the difficulties we face and walk the path to triumph. 

 

During the Saint Andrew Kim jubilee, the church will grant plenary indulgences to any sites related to the Saint, churches with his name, and to those who visit these churches.  Our church is also included.  

 

As Joseph who serves as the pastor of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon parish, this is more meaningful to me.  I pray for all parishioners, during the 2021 when we celebrate both Saint Joseph and Saint Andrew Kim, so that they may live discreet daily lives where we support one another and nurture hope despite the on going COVID pandemic challenges.  

 

Let us meditate for a moment.