The gospel is the memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Taejon, priest and Paul, Cheong Ha San and companions, martyrs taken from the Gospel of Luke, eighth chapter. First through the third verse, Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the 12 and some women who had been killed, cured of evil spirits and infirmities. Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out Joanna, the wife of Herod, Steward Juza, Susanna and many others who provided for them out of their resources. In this passage we see the women again being more receptive than the men to the healing power that Jesus possessed and shared with these women. And their response was gratitude.

But it took the form of service. They wanted to be a part of his ministry. They wanted to support it. Take this time to reflect on these thoughts. And now we’ll close with a prayer. Foreign the closing prayer.

It’s clear in the scriptures that those who really understood who Jesus is are those who receive some wonderful free loving gift. Mercy. Help us to be open to this gift so we can truly be drawn into his ministry and become his followers. And we ask this in Jesus name. Amen.