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About The Georgia bulletin (Atlanta) 1963-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 7, 1989)
Page 4 • Faith Today “The Gospel asks much in terms of love for God and neighbor. It asks commit ment and fidelity. It asks people to make a gift of their time to others.” John was preoccupied. His son’s high school adviser had just called to say that the boy was unaccountably absent from school that day. It was the third time in three weeks that such a call had come. The adviser also revealed that the boy’s grades were slipping badly. The news was not really a surprise. But it made it impossible for John and his wife any longer to deny a situation that had been developing for some time. Their son’s behavior had been troubling them. He had broken his curfew by an hour or more numerous times. It was clear he was drinking beer frequently. Every day? At home he was withdrawn or hostile. He spent little time on homework. In the moments before Mass the following Sunday, John pondered the feelings of anger, frustration and love for his son that were col liding with each other these days. What could he and his wife do? What discipline would work with their son? What about professional counseling? How could they assure their son that they loved him? How could they begin to com municate with him again? Sitting in the pew, John’s thoughts raced in his head. Finally, he began to feel quieter, calmer. He found himself asking what Jesus might do in this situation. “What is being asked of me?’’ John asked. This situation is hypothetical, though true to life. Having read it, ask yourself this: Was John praying in the moments before Mass in a con templative way? Probably the word “contemplation” calls to mind extraordinary saints like Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. But most people are contemplatives some of the time. To reflect on situations in your own life in the light of faith is a form of contemplation, especially when the rush of thoughts slows down and you begin to listen, to ask what Jesus asks of you. The Gospel asks much in terms of love for God and neighbor. It asks commitment and fidelity. It asks people to make a gift of their time to others. Justice is a Gospel demand. In the midst of difficult situations, the Gospel calls for hope. Patience appears to be necessary. The followers of Jesus are asked to make decisions and take action. They are asked to give care in ways that may be taxing. At times they are called to change plans in big ways to meet needs around them. There are situations in which Christians know just what they should or should not do. But in other situations, such as the one John faced, to act as a Christian requires much reflection, contemplation. It calls for the prayer of those who ask what Jesus would do, what the demands of the Gospel are here and now. CHILDREN'S PLACE A Japanese Christian By Janaan Manternach NC News Service u kon, the oldest son of a Japanese samurai (knight), was baptized in 1563 at the age of 10 or 11. His father, Takayama, had been one of the most powerful enemies of Christianity in Japan. But a Jesuit lay brother, on trial before Takayama for his faith, convinced Takayama to become a Christian. Ukon was born, about 1552, into a Japan torn by almost constant wars between local noblemen called daimyos. Each powerful noble had many faithful knights. Even the emperor and his shogun (commander-in-chief) were unable to keep peace or maintain unity. There was religious conflict as well. St. Francis Xavier had brought Christianity to Japan in 1549, but could not establish a successful mis sion. The Buddhist monks (bonzes) did all they could to keep Chris tianity out of Japan. When Ukon was about 20, he was injured in an attempt on his life and that of his father. Ukon spent months recovering, during which he became a more dedicated Christian. Not long after his recovery a powerful daimyo gave the region and castle known as Takatsuki to Ukon’s father. Takayama gave it to his son. Ukon and his father made Takatsuki a center of the Catholic Church in central Japan. Many Japanese there became Christians. In 15^4 Ukon married Justa, also a Christian. They had three sons and perhaps a daughter. Then Ukon was caught in another power struggle. He freely placed himself with a group of Christians (including his sister and his son) who were to be killed for their faith. The daimyo was so impressed with Ukon’s courage and commitment that instead of killing the Christians, he made Ukon one of his top generals. Ukon was now even more influen tial in drawing others to Christ. But in 1587 the shogun, Hideyoshi, turned against Christianity and ordered all Christian missionaries to leave Japan. He ordered Ukon to give up his What do you think? □ In our story, Ukon believes that his faith asks much of him, not little. What are some ways he shows this? From the bookshelf In Prayers for Children, compiled by Caroline Royds, the prayers cover a wide range of emotions from the lighthearted, happy and optimistic to the serious and troubled. The book’s six sections include prayers for morning, prayers for the world, prayers when things go wrong and evening prayers. Some of the prayers flow from the hearts and spirits of great people. For instance, Dr. Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965), prayed: “O heavenly Father, protect and bless all things that have breath. Guard them from all evil and let them rest in peace.” The book would be a special gift for a child or parent. (Doubleday, 666 Fifth Ave., New York, N.Y. 10103. 1988. Hardback, $12.95.) Connect the dots! Draw a line from dot to dot begin ning with dot No. 1 and you will have a picture of Ukon’s transporta tion to the Philippines. v t.T- 6 faith in Christ or be deported. Ukon refused. Hideyoshi took away Ukon’s money and power. Ukon moved his family to a small island where they lived in poverty. About four years later Hideyoshi forgave Ukon and gave him back his position. Ukon redoubled his efforts to draw people to the Catholic Church. He helped get permission for the Jesuit missionaries to return to Japan. But in 1596 Hideyoshi began a violent persecution against Christians. Many died as martyrs. In 1614 Ukon and all missionaries were ordered out of Japan. Soldiers marched him and his family to Nagasaki to wait for a ship. Ukon and the missionaries sailed to the Philippines. Just 40 days after arriving in Manila, Ukon fell seriously ill and died. The memory of his faith and courage continues to inspire Christians in Japan and around the world. (Ms. Manternach is the author of catechetical works, Scripture stories and original stories for children.) '18 <V .14 jdms 6u!|]BS asauedep e :y3MSNV
