Martyred for the faith at police headquarters, Seoul in the Eulmyo persecution, June 28, 1795. Beatified by Pope Francis on August 16, 2014.
Life
Matthias Choe In-gil was an interpreter from Seoul's middle class and a fervent lay leader of the early Church. When Father James Zhou Wen-mo arrived in Seoul, he received the priest into a house he had prepared and helped the faithful receive the sacraments.
In 1795, when the priest's arrival was betrayed and officers came, he is said to have disguised himself as the priest to let him escape and gain time. Beaten severely together with Paul Yun Yu-il and Sabas Ji Hwang, he did not reveal where the priest was, and he was martyred at police headquarters in Seoul on June 28, 1795.
Spirituality
Matthias Choe In-gil's spirituality is love that gives itself to save others. To protect the priest and the community, he stepped forward into danger himself. He lived the Gospel word that there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.
Reflection
Matthias Choe In-gil stepped into danger to protect the priest and the community. Have I ever willingly accepted a loss for someone else's sake? Today, let us practice a small love by sharing someone's burden.