Both of our readings today make mention of prisons. Like so many saints, our saint today, St. Josephine Bakita, was no stranger to prison. We often imprison others. We put them in a box. We think: i know how this person operates. I know how he acts, how he thinks. We must never trap another person like this. Our God is a God of surprises, after all. Let us listen to Hebrews: “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels. Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment….”

Today we celebrate St. Paul Miki and his companions, who on this day in 1597, climbed the hill of their calvary in Nagasaki. As Paul Miki hung on his cross, he gave something of a sermon. He prayed God’s mercy on those who had put him there. He also spoke to them. He said, “Ask Jesus to make you happy.” Now that is beautiful advice for us all.

“Brothers and sisters: Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus…”  We must lay our burdens down if we want to run the race of life well. A person running with his arms filled with stuff will have a much harder time than one who is empty-handed.  Give it all over to ht eLord.  And let us help one another with our burdens.

“A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.”  — St. Basil the Great

“We find rest in those we love, and we provide a resting place for those who love us.”
– St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Courage is the mother and father of every great moment and movement in history. It animates us, brings us to life, and makes possible what has always seemed impossible. – Matthew Kelly