Today in the Book In Caelo et in Terra, we read about a young martyr named Pedro Calungsod. He was from the Philippines, and was taught by Jesuits. He went with a missionary to Guam and had great success among the people there, until a rumor that the waters of baptism were killing people spread among the people. When Pedro and his Jesuit friend baptized a baby with the mother's permission, the father flew into a rage and killed both Pedro and the Jesuit. You can read more about him here.
This seems like a waste of such a young life. And when young people die, we often find ourselves questioning God's purpose. But that's because we have a hard time thinking with eternity in mind. These young people aren't being punished or senselessly killed. They are "perfected early", as the book of Wisdom tells us in chapter 4 verse 13. "Being perfected in a short time, they fulfilled long years."
You'll notice that many of the saints were taken home at a young age, including my favorite saint - Therese of Liseux, who died at only 24 years old. But her life was full, as was St Pedro's. They were taken home to their reward because they were ready very soon. Some of us still have to do some work to get ready before we're able to be taken home. (And some, like St John Paul II or St Mother Teresa (of Calcutta) are left here for a long time for OUR benefit.
God, thanks for the swift and holy life of this young martyr. St Pedro Calungsod, pray for us.
No comments:
Post a Comment