“We share in God's nature and so we are naturally drawn to Him who makes us whole.”
Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Korea
The Korean Exception
As Christians we are called to evangelization. We have been given the mission to spread the Gospel, the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. To that end Christian missionaries have traveled throughout the world, converting entire countries to the Faith.
But Korea is an exception. It was not evangelized through missionaries, but through the Korean laity.
In its long, ancient history, the nation of Korea sought God through many religions and ideologies. Shamanism, Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism all held the imagination of the people at one time or another.
From 1392 to 1897 the Joseon Dynasty held power. By the 18thcentury intense factional conflict, due to a policy of governing by “in-law families,” had divided the nation.
In the 18thcentury, young scholars were searching for ideas that would guide their divided country. They studied Western literature and became fascinated with Christianity and the concept of God as a merciful Father. Over time, fascination turned into belief.
At the time Korean delegations made periodic trips to Peking to establish commercial and cultural exchanges. During one such trip the Koreans brought back Father Matteo Ricci's book, “The True Doctrine of God.”
A Korean layman, Lee Byok, was inspired by this book and founded the first Christian community sometime around 1780. Byok asked a member of this community who was going to China, to be baptized and bring back more books and writings on the Catholic faith.
Lee Byok organized the community as best he could without the guidance of missionaries. He died at the age of 31.
But his community continued and when it learned about ecclesial structure and the role of the Church hierarchy, it submitted itself to the Bishop of Peking.
To Seek God
God created man in His image and likeness. We are more closely related to God than to any other creature. We share in God's nature and so we are naturally drawn to Him who makes us whole. We are only fully human in a relationship with the God who created us.
When we are deprived of God, we naturally seek Him out. St. Augustine famously said in his Confessions, “our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Throughout our history we have tried to fill this void in our hearts with all manner of things, money, fame, fortune, etc., but we find all lacking.
The Catholic Church in Korea stands as an example of man's need for God, a need that is filled by the Church Jesus established here on earth. It is a need that persists, and is perhaps felt more keenly, even during times of persecution. Although Christianity was introduced in a peaceful manner, it was seen as a threat to the ruling party and resulted in the Sinyu Persecution of 1801, which left 300 Catholics martyred for their beliefs.
We are somewhat short-sighted in our perspective of history. Christianity has spread throughout the world and we often look at the achievements of the faith and the positive impact it has had on society. But we tend to forget or overlook all the martyrs and witnesses who gave their lives so that their brothers and sisters would have a chance at finally finding rest for their restless hearts.
An Artistic Resistance
For much of the 20thcentury, the Communist Party of the Soviet Union ruled Russia. Soviet Communism sought to replace religion with atheism. While most religions were never outlawed, church property was continually seized, believers were harassed and the practice of the faith was made difficult to impossible at every turn.
Liturgical artists, or iconographers, those who painted the images of Jesus and His saints, were forbidden from practicing their craft. In many cases the styles and techniques were repurposed. Whole villages became known for their beautiful painted lacquerware. This was acceptable to the authorities but also preserved the ancient artistic techniques of sacred art. And in spite of the prohibition, sacred artists would take every opportunity to continue their work. Icons and religious imagery, so vital to Eastern Christianity, continued to adorn churches, painted under the cover of night, with blacked out windows and low lights.
Jesus Prepared Us
During the time of Easter, between the Resurrection and Pentecost, the readings at mass follow along as Jesus guides the Church in its first steps. As the day draws near for Jesus to ascend to the Father, He begins to prepare His followers for a time when He will no longer be physically visible to them. Instead, He prepares them for a time when God will lead the Church in a hidden way, through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus assures His followers that if they believe, they will not only perform miracles such as He did, but the Church will do even greater deeds. From the very beginning, God reserved for His Church a role in the world that Jesus Himself did not wish to have.
We have seen the results. The impact of the Church on the world is all around us. Social mores, the university system, science, art, architecture, hospitals and charities all bear the imprint of the Catholic Church. Jesus laid the foundation for a Church built of living stones, a Church that would change the world.
But sadly over the last few hundred years, the forces of secularism have had a greater influence on society. Past evils have reasserted themselves in new ways. The modern world bears many similarities to the world in which the early Church fought for its life.
Jesus promised us, that if we have faith, we would prevail and do great works. It is time for us to change the world once again.
Pax vobiscum
Deacon Lawrence Klimecki
Lily of the Mohawks © Lawrence Klimecki
Pontifex University is an online university offering a Master’s Degree in Sacred Arts. For more information visit the website at www.pontifex.university
Lawrence Klimecki, MSA, is a deacon in the Diocese of Sacramento. He is a public speaker, writer, and artist, reflecting on the intersection of art and faith and the spiritual “hero’s journey” that is part of every person’s life. He maintains a blog at www.DeaconLawrence.org and can be reached at Lawrence@deaconlawrence.com
