Episode 2517: Living Faithfully as Catholics - Morning Episode

Welcome to today’s episode, where we will reflect on the essence of living as true Christians, not just in name but in fact. St. Andrew Kim Taegon challenges us with his powerful words: “We have received baptism, entrance into the Church, and the honor of being called Christians. Yet what good will this do us if we are Christians in name only and not in fact?” Today, we will explore what it truly means to live out our faith as authentic followers of Christ, especially in a world that increasingly challenges our values.
We’ll also dive into the beauty of contemplative prayer, drawing on the wisdom of J.G. Arintero, O.P., who speaks of the “prayer of quiet” and the union of the will with God. This kind of prayer isn’t just a method but a way of allowing God’s infinite goodness and love to captivate our hearts and fill us with peace.
Finally, we’ll look at Christ’s words from the Beatitudes: “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you…Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.” These words remind us that, as Christians, we are often called to suffer for the sake of truth. However, such trials are a cause for joy, not despair, because our reward in heaven will far outweigh the struggles we endure here on earth.
Let us begin by reflecting on the seriousness of being true disciples of Christ.
In the modern world, being “Christian” can sometimes feel more like a cultural label than a lived reality. St. Andrew Kim Taegon, one of the first Korean Catholic priests and martyrs, points out the great danger of this mentality. He says, “What good will this do us if we are Christians in name only and not in fact?” This is a sobering reminder that our faith is not a badge we wear, but a life we live, fully devoted to Christ.
To be a true Christian means to take up our cross daily, as Jesus instructed, and to follow Him wholeheartedly. This involves both an external and internal commitment. Externally, it means standing up for our beliefs, even when it is uncomfortable, unpopular, or dangerous. Internally, it means allowing the grace of our baptism to transform us from within, leading us to deeper prayer, virtue, and union with God.

We live in an age where it is easy to compartmentalize our faith, keeping it private and separate from other areas of our lives. But St. Andrew’s words remind us that faith is meant to permeate everything we do, whether at work, with family, or in society. If we are only “Christians in name,” we are missing the transformative power of the Gospel. Being Christian is not just about attending Mass on Sunday but about living as disciples every day—showing love, charity, patience, and courage in the face of difficulty.
This brings us to the idea of contemplative prayer, which strengthens our resolve to live as true Christians. J.G. Arintero, O.P., describes the “prayer of quiet,” a deep stage of contemplation where the soul unites with God’s will. In this prayer, he writes, the soul finds its “full rest, its refreshment and strength, its peace and happiness.”
Contemplation is not merely a spiritual exercise for monks and nuns, but a gift available to all Christians who seek God with their whole hearts. It is a way of surrendering ourselves entirely to God, allowing His infinite goodness and love to fill us. Through contemplation, we enter into a union with God where we experience His peace, which surpasses all understanding. This peace then flows into our daily lives, enabling us to live out our Christian calling with strength and clarity.
The more we grow in prayer, the more we are able to face the trials and persecutions that come with being true Christians. Jesus knew that following Him would bring suffering, which is why He gave us these comforting words in Matthew 5: “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you…Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”
Christ doesn’t say “if” we are persecuted but when we are persecuted. This is a guarantee for those who faithfully follow Him. But instead of viewing persecution as something to avoid, we are called to embrace it with joy, knowing that our faithfulness to God will be rewarded in heaven. The world may insult us, misunderstand us, and even despise us for living according to God’s commandments, but these trials are opportunities for us to unite our sufferings with Christ and to witness to His truth.
As Catholics, we look to the martyrs like St. Andrew Kim Taegon for inspiration. They faced far greater persecution than most of us ever will, yet they persevered because their hope was not in this world but in the eternal reward of heaven. We are reminded that we too must live with our eyes fixed on eternity, knowing that every sacrifice we make for Christ here on earth will be more than worth it in the life to come.
Conclusion:
In today’s reflection, we’ve been challenged by the words of St. Andrew Kim Taegon to live as true Christians, not just in name but in fact. We’ve explored the beauty of contemplative prayer, which unites our will with God’s and fills us with peace and strength. And we’ve been reminded by Christ’s words that persecution for His sake is not a curse but a blessing, leading to eternal joy.
As we go forward today, let us ask ourselves: Are we living fully as Christians, or are we holding back? Are we allowing the grace of our baptism to transform us, or are we content with merely going through the motions? Let us resolve to deepen our prayer life, to unite our will with God’s, and to embrace the trials that come with following Christ, knowing that our reward will be great in heaven.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of our baptism and the honor of being called Christians. Help us to live out our faith fully, not just in name but in every aspect of our lives. Give us the grace to persevere in our commitment to You, especially when the world challenges us or misunderstands us.
Fill our hearts with the peace that comes from union with You, and teach us to trust in Your goodness and love through the practice of prayer. May we find rest in You, O Lord, and draw strength from Your presence in our lives.
When we face persecution or insult for the sake of Your name, grant us the courage to rejoice and be glad, knowing that our reward is in heaven. Through the intercession of St. Andrew Kim Taegon and all the martyrs, may we remain faithful to You until the end.
We ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.