Iustus Takayama Ukon was born in Japan in 1552 to the lord of a small castle. Ukon’s father was a fervent Buddhist, but Jesuit missionaries converted the whole family and Ukon was baptized when he was 11. He didn’t practice his faith, primarily concerning himself with keeping the samurai code and involving himself in political and military affairs. While recovering from being seriously injured in a duel, he decided to change his life and live the faith he was taught. By the time he was expelled from the country with other Christians in 1587, he had been responsible for the building of many churches, seminaries, and oratories that the Japanese would destroy in the Christian purge.
CHALLENGE
As a nobleman, rather than be executed for his faith Blessed Iustus Takayama Ukon was given the choice to renounce his Christian faith and keep his property in Japan, or keep his faith and be exiled. Along with about 300 others he chose exile, and he died in the Philippines at the age of 63. Today, prayerfully reflect on all you have. Would you be willing to give it all up for Christ?
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