July 26, 2026
— Jean-Gabriel Perboyre · Source: Letter of Jean-Gabriel Perboyre to his father, China, August 22, 1837, in Life of Blessed John Gabriel Perboyre (trans. from the French; Baltimore: John Murphy & Co., 1894), pp. 191–192
Romans 14:7-8 For none of us lives for himself alone, nor does anyone die for himself alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
The true value of life lies not in its length or worldly gains and losses, but in why we live and what we dedicate ourselves to. Father Jean-Gabriel Perboyre (Dong Wenxue) fulfilled his vow of giving his life to the Lord, reminding us that faith is not an adornment in times of prosperity, but a complete transfer of sovereignty over our lives. When we turn our attention away from our own safety and gains, no longer living for ourselves, but dedicating our daily breaths, work, and love to the Lord, life transcends temporary suffering and finds the deepest peace and meaning in eternity.
Lord, thank You for redeeming me with Your precious blood, so that my life no longer belongs to myself, but to You. Grant me a pure and steadfast heart, so that in the mundane and trials of daily life I may willingly live for You; when faced with life's choices and hardships, may my weakness be transformed into complete trust in You. Fill me with Your great love, so that I may extend this love to those around me, whether they live or die, may Christ continue to be magnified in me, glorifying Your holy name. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.