Wednesday 5th February 2025, Suantraí Íosa" from Manister/Fedamore Parishes, Limerick, Ireland.

Reflection on the Scripture readings
for Liturgy of the Eucharist of the following Day
Thursday 6th February 2025
Week 4 in Ordinary Time
Japanese St Paul Miki and His Companions In Martyrdom
Hebrews 12:18-19,21-24
Psalm 47(48):2-4,9-11
Mark 6:7-13
JAPANESE ST PAUL MIKI AND HIS COMPANIONS IN MARTYRDOM (1597) Tertullian is the originator of the phrase: “The blood of martyrs becomes the seed of the church“. .
In 1555 Paul Miki was born into a wealthy Japanese family. He was educated by the Jesuits in Azuchi and Takatsuki. He joined the Society of Jesus and became a successful preacher gaining numerous converts.
The ruler of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, began persecuting Catholics for fear of the Jesuits' influence and intentions, and possibly that of European visitors.
Miki was arrested and jailed with his fellow Catholics, who were later forced to march 966 kilometers (600 miles) from Kyoto to Nagasaki; all the while singing the Te Deum.
On arriving in Nagasaki Miki had his chest pierced with a lance while tied to a cross on 5 February 1597.
He preached his last sermon from the cross, and it is maintained that he forgave his executioners. Crucified alongside him were Joan Soan (de Gotó) and Santiago Kisai, also of the Society of Jesus; along with twenty-three other clergy and laity, all of whom were canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1862.
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Suantraí Íosa" is an Evening Reflection on the feasts and the Scripture readings for the Liturgy of the Eucharist of the following day.
"Suantraí Íosa" in Irish means the Lullaby or Cradle Song of Jesus.
We prepare the readings and liturgy of following day and sleep on it, praying for inspiration in the morning light.
These reflections frequently draw on the Irish language, art, folklore, traditions and spirituality of the peoples of Ireland.
THE PRAYER OF ABANDONMENT
The Prayer of Abandonment, written by
St. Charles de Foucauld, is one of the
most beautiful prayers of faith, trust and
surrender in the Christian spiritual heritage.
Father,
I abandon myself into your hands;
do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do,
I thank you:
I am ready for all,
I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me,
and in all your creatures.
I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul;
I offer it to you
with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord,
and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands,
without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,
for you are
my Father.
PRACTICAL PRAYERS TO BEGIN A JOURNEY
Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Pray for us and
protect us on our journey.
Amen.
A Croí Mhuire gan Smál,
Guigh orainn agus
tabhair aire dúinn ar an turas seo.
Amen.