The Cost of Spreading the Faith

When Jesus commissioned the apostles to preach the word and baptize, he was not joking.  The apostles took his word seriously and did what they could to spread the faith; all but St. John were martyred for carrying out this mission.  Through the centuries, others have continued to carry out this mandate, some sacrificing their lives, like St. Paul Miki of Japan and his companions, others taking huge risks, suffering setback after setback, but dying at the end of a long life, as did Fr. Edward Sorin, founder of the University of Notre Dame, whose 200th birthday we celebrate today.  St. Marcellin had that same zeal and incorporated it directly in our mission to make Jesus known and loved. He himself wanted to be a missionary (to the United States!!!), but God had other plans.  A few days ago we commemorated the death of the brother who accompanied St. Peter Chanel to the South Pacific.  The brothers who spread to the 80 countries where we are located now fulfilled St. Marcellin's dream.  The Japanese martyrs were first generation Catholics, some fresh out of the catecumenate, but as fervent in their love of and devotion to Jesus as they could be.  They died reciting the prayers they had learned, the Our Father, Hail Mary, and some hymns.  How simple.  May they serve as models for us as we go about our day, as missionaries, as faithful followers of Jesus.  Our example wherever we are can help spread the faith.
Bro. Rene