Who among us likes suffering and punishment? None, I presume. In the first reading, we hear, “The Lord trains the ones He loves and punishes the ones He acknowledges as His sons.”

It is true that God can sometimes be exacting and hard on us, but didn’t He allow His only Son to die on the cross for us? A true disciple of Jesus knows that sufferings are necessary to test one’s faith and love for God. It is also true we are often not able to cope, but God in His mercy will raise us up from our failures and give us renewed strength and courage to face our sufferings.

We have not had to suffer till the point of dying for our sins (cf. Heb 12:4) so let us stand up to do battle with the enemy using the weapons of light

prayer, faith in God, zeal to announce the gospel and a deep and intimate love for Jesus.. The corrections and sufferings we have are meant to make us more holy, more humble. Also, trials and temptations keep our faith from becoming lukewarm.

Brothers and sisters, let our love for Jesus and Mary spur us on. Let us welcome daily trials and challenges as God’s love for us and for the people for whom we suffer. Let us walk the hard and narrow path to reach the heavenly Jerusalem. This is what St. Paul Miki and his companions did. They willingly suffered and died for Christ who brought them immediately to his heavenly kingdom.