In 1940, an American missionary in China was arrested and then expelled from that country by the Chinese authorities. On leaving China, he journeyed to India to arrange for his return home. Passing through a coastal area of India, he encountered a network of Jewish refugees, most of them living in attics, barns, and tents, and some still looking for shelter. The refugees had fled from Nazi persecution in Germany, and they desperately needed help. Conditions were such that the missionary was powerless to do much. Nevertheless, he felt that he just couldn’t leave without doing something. So he cashed the checks he had received for passage home and gave it to one of the refugee families. In due course, his passage was again provided for by the Missionary Society and he returned home.
On his return, he was interviewed by a reporter from a religious magazine. During the interview, the reporter’s questions led to details about the missionary’s expulsion from China and the trip home, including his contacts with the Jewish refugees in India. “Why did you, a Christian missionary, give your passage money to them?” the reporter asked. “After all, it was all you had, and they don’t believe in Jesus.” “But I do!” the missionary replied.
What a profoundly beautiful expression of loyalty to the cause of Jesus Christ. The time has come – Holy Week – for us to confront one of the great mysteries in the Gospel. Jesus came doing so much good: loving people, befriending people, healing people, comforting people, bringing them the Good News. Yet he suffered and died.
May we commit ourselves to following the Messiah no matter the cost.
Thought for the week: Quit and you’ll never create anything new.
Smile for the week: How did Moses make his tea? Hebrews it.
God bless! Have a wonderful week!
Fr. Kevin McKenna