Seven Blessed Martyrs of Songkhon (d.1940)
for December 16
The Seven Blessed Martyrs of Songkhon were seven Roman Catholics who were martyred in the village of Songkhon in northern Thailand. They were executed in December of 1940, in the midst of the Franco-Thai War, after being falsely accused of spying for the French. The Seven Blessed Martyrs ranged in age from 14 to 59 years old. They were beatified on October 22, 1989, by Pope John Paul II.
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Reflection
"When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion" (Acts of the Apostles 11:23–24). In our relationships with friends and peers, we can influence one another in good ways or in bad ways. When others pressure us to do something that is not right, we choose whether to give in or to resist the pressure. In the same way, when someone pressures us to do something that is good, we can choose to rise to the challenge or to ignore it. Pressure to do something positive is an exhortation—a call to choose and do good. Like Paul, we should encourage others to choose what is good. We should also resist pressure from others to do what we know in our heart is wrong and displeasing to God. We can ask ourselves: How can I encourage others to do the right thing? How can I grow strong in resisting the pressure to do wrong? (Taken from “By My Side: A Teen Prayer Companion.”)
Prayer
Dear Lord, help me to always resist what displeases you. Guide me in leading others to you. (Taken from “By My Side: A Teen Prayer Companion.”)
