Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and
Companions, Martyrs
Lectionary: 297
Lectionary: 297
While Apollos was in Corinth,
Paul traveled through the interior of the country
and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples.
He said to them,
"Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?"
They answered him,
"We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
He said, "How were you baptized?"
They replied, "With the baptism of John."
Paul then said, "John baptized with a baptism of repentance,
telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him,
that is, in Jesus."
When they heard this,
they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul laid his hands on them,
the Holy Spirit came upon them,
and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Altogether there were about twelve men.
He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly
with persuasive arguments about the Kingdom of God.
Paul traveled through the interior of the country
and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples.
He said to them,
"Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?"
They answered him,
"We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
He said, "How were you baptized?"
They replied, "With the baptism of John."
Paul then said, "John baptized with a baptism of repentance,
telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him,
that is, in Jesus."
When they heard this,
they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul laid his hands on them,
the Holy Spirit came upon them,
and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Altogether there were about twelve men.
He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly
with persuasive arguments about the Kingdom of God.
Responsorial
Psalm PS 68:2-3AB, 4-5ACD,
6-7AB
R.(33a) Sing
to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
God arises; his enemies are scattered,
and those who hate him flee before him.
As smoke is driven away, so are they driven;
as wax melts before the fire.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
But the just rejoice and exult before God;
they are glad and rejoice.
Sing to God, chant praise to his name;
whose name is the LORD.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The father of orphans and the defender of widows
is God in his holy dwelling.
God gives a home to the forsaken;
he leads forth prisoners to prosperity.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
God arises; his enemies are scattered,
and those who hate him flee before him.
As smoke is driven away, so are they driven;
as wax melts before the fire.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
But the just rejoice and exult before God;
they are glad and rejoice.
Sing to God, chant praise to his name;
whose name is the LORD.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The father of orphans and the defender of widows
is God in his holy dwelling.
God gives a home to the forsaken;
he leads forth prisoners to prosperity.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Reading 2COL 3:1
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
If then you were raised with Christ,
seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
If then you were raised with Christ,
seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelJN 16:29-33
The disciples said to Jesus,
"Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.
Now we realize that you know everything
and that you do not need to have anyone question you.
Because of this we believe that you came from God."
Jesus answered them, "Do you believe now?
Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived
when each of you will be scattered to his own home
and you will leave me alone.
But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble,
but take courage, I have conquered the world."
"Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.
Now we realize that you know everything
and that you do not need to have anyone question you.
Because of this we believe that you came from God."
Jesus answered them, "Do you believe now?
Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived
when each of you will be scattered to his own home
and you will leave me alone.
But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble,
but take courage, I have conquered the world."
For the readings of the Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions,
please go here.
Meditation:
Peace in overcoming the world"
How
did the disciples come to believe that Jesus is truly the Son of God sent from
the eternal Father in heaven? When Jesus taught his disciples he often spoke in
parables - using short stories and vivid images which expressed in picture
language what God's kingdom is like and how God's power can change and
transform our lives to be like him. These stories were intended to make his
disciples reflect and think through the inner spiritual truths he wanted them to
understand and accept.
The
Lord Jesus gives hope and strength to those who believe in him and trust in his
word
Now Jesus begins to speak more plainly to the disciples about the mission and purpose for which he was sent into the world - not to condemn the world but through love to redeem it (John 3:16). The disciples professed their belief in Jesus that he truly came from God and taught as one who possessed full knowledge of God. Jesus' response showed that he fully knew and understood them very well. Jesus could read their hearts like an open book. He knew their weaknesses as well as their strengths.
Now Jesus begins to speak more plainly to the disciples about the mission and purpose for which he was sent into the world - not to condemn the world but through love to redeem it (John 3:16). The disciples professed their belief in Jesus that he truly came from God and taught as one who possessed full knowledge of God. Jesus' response showed that he fully knew and understood them very well. Jesus could read their hearts like an open book. He knew their weaknesses as well as their strengths.
Where
do you place your trust and confidence?
In spite of their confident faith, Jesus warned his disciples that they would be put to the test and would fail. He knew they would desert him in his hour of trial when he would be arrested and condemned to death on the cross. Such knowledge of their faltering loyalty could have easily led to bitterness and rejection on his part. Jesus met the injury of betrayal and abandonment with supreme love and earnest prayer for his disciples (Luke 22:32; John 17:15). "He loved them to the very end" (John 13:1) - even when they had left him to die alone on the cross.
In spite of their confident faith, Jesus warned his disciples that they would be put to the test and would fail. He knew they would desert him in his hour of trial when he would be arrested and condemned to death on the cross. Such knowledge of their faltering loyalty could have easily led to bitterness and rejection on his part. Jesus met the injury of betrayal and abandonment with supreme love and earnest prayer for his disciples (Luke 22:32; John 17:15). "He loved them to the very end" (John 13:1) - even when they had left him to die alone on the cross.
God's
peace dwells with those who trust in him alone
Jesus reassures them of his peace, unfailing love, and victory over the world which is in opposition to God's reign. Jesus speaks the same reassuring words of enduring love, faithfulness, and victory to his followers today. "I will never fail you nor forsake you." While we may forget the Lord and fail him, he will never forget us nor fail to come to our aid. When you are put to the test do you seek the Lord Jesus and place your trust in his help and mercy?
Jesus reassures them of his peace, unfailing love, and victory over the world which is in opposition to God's reign. Jesus speaks the same reassuring words of enduring love, faithfulness, and victory to his followers today. "I will never fail you nor forsake you." While we may forget the Lord and fail him, he will never forget us nor fail to come to our aid. When you are put to the test do you seek the Lord Jesus and place your trust in his help and mercy?
The
Holy Spirit fills us with expectant faith, persevering hope, and unfailing love
While we cannot avoid all pain and suffering which may come our way in this life, the Lord Jesus assures us that he has overcome the world and all that would seek to keep us from his saving help and healing presence. He promises to guide us safely through any trial or hardship we may have to undergo for his sake. The Lord Jesus gives us the gift of his Holy Spirit who strengthens us with faith, courage, and perseverance to stay the course which he has set for us. The Holy Spirit fills us with a living hope in the power of Christ's resurrection (1 Peter 1:3) and reassures our heart with a confident trust in God's abiding presence.
While we cannot avoid all pain and suffering which may come our way in this life, the Lord Jesus assures us that he has overcome the world and all that would seek to keep us from his saving help and healing presence. He promises to guide us safely through any trial or hardship we may have to undergo for his sake. The Lord Jesus gives us the gift of his Holy Spirit who strengthens us with faith, courage, and perseverance to stay the course which he has set for us. The Holy Spirit fills us with a living hope in the power of Christ's resurrection (1 Peter 1:3) and reassures our heart with a confident trust in God's abiding presence.
Nothing
can separate us from the love of Christ and the victory he has won for us
(Romans 8:35-39). The Holy Spirit gives us the strength and courage we need to
overcome every adversity and to persevere with faith and hope in God. Do you
believe in the power of Christ's love for you and in the victory he has won for
you through his death and resurrection?
"Lord
Jesus, help me to trust in your unwavering love and saving help, especially
when I meet adversities, trials, and temptations. Give me your peace when I am
troubled and let me know the joy of your victory over sin and death."
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: In Christ we have peace, by
Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"When
[Jesus] says, 'These things have I spoken to you, that in me you might have
peace,' he refers not only to what he has just said but also to what he had
said all along, either from the time that he first had disciples, or since the
supper, when he began this long and wonderful discourse... He declares this to
be the object of his whole discourse, that is, that in him they might have
peace. And this peace will have no end but is itself the end of every godly
action and intention." (excerpt from TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
104.1.15)
MONDAY, JUNE 3, JOHN 16:29-33
(Acts 19:1-8, Psalm 68)
(Acts 19:1-8, Psalm 68)
KEY VERSE: "In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world" (v.33).
TO KNOW: Before Jesus ascended to his Father, he prepared his followers to face his final "hour" in which he would suffer and die. His disciples naively assumed that they had complete faith in Jesus; however, he forewarned them that when the time came for his passion, they would all fail him. They would scatter like frightened sheep who had lost their shepherd (Zec 13:7). In his agony, Jesus would feel as though even his Father had abandoned him (Mk 15:34). Yet Jesus and his Father could never be separated; he and the Father are one. Jesus told his disciples that they should not despair but have confidence in his presence. Although they would suffer greatly in the world, they must take heart. In Jesus' resurrection, he would be victorious over all evil.
TO LOVE: Who do I need to console in times in trouble?
TO SERVE: Risen Lord, help the Church to have faith in times of adversity.
Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, martyrs
There were perhaps 400 court pages in King Kabaka Mwanga's palace in Uganda, Africa. Charles Lwanga was the chief of the pages. He trained the others to be exemplary servants of the king but later pointed them towards Jesus Christ as their Savior. As strong followers of God they prayed constantly even under threats of death. Charles was among those who became the martyrs of Uganda on June 3, 1886. Charles's death was a slow one. He was tied on a low stake where he was burnt. He never feared the fire but warned his executioners that there was fire for them that would last forever. The rest of the pages were tied in bundles of threes and thrown into fire, where they kept singing and praising God until they perished. To honor these modern saints, Paul VI became the first reigning pope to visit sub-Sahara Africa in 1969, a visit which included a pilgrimage to the site of the martyrs. He also dedicated a site for a church in honor of the martyrs, at the spot where Charles Lwanga was killed in Namugongo.
Monday 3 June 2019
ST CHARLES LWANGA AND COMPANIONS.
Acts 19:1-8. Psalm 67(68):2-7. John 16:29-33.
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth – Psalm 67(68):2-7.
‘Take courage: I have conquered the world!’
Acts 19:1-8. Psalm 67(68):2-7. John 16:29-33.
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth – Psalm 67(68):2-7.
‘Take courage: I have conquered the world!’
The week leading up to Pentecost is an opportunity to pause and
consider whether we have a sense of the presence or absence of God in our
lives. The feast of the Ascension, just celebrated, can seem like the end of
the story of Jesus. But it is really just the beginning. The approaching feast
of Pentecost reassures us of the ongoing presence of Jesus, through the Spirit,
in the life of the church and the lives of individual believers.
This week starts with Jesus telling us plainly to ‘take courage’
and believe that God has conquered the world. Through Jesus, God has already
defeated the worst that the world can throw at us. As Pentecost approaches, may
this Spirit of courage and faith take a hold of us once again and renew our
strength and sense of purpose.
Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions
Saint of the Day for June 3
(d. between November 15, 1885 – January 27, 1887)
 |
| Stained glass of Saint Charles Lwanga | photo by Rachel Strohm |
Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions’ Story
One of 22 Ugandan martyrs, Charles Lwanga is the patron of youth
and Catholic action in most of tropical Africa. He protected his fellow pages,
aged 13 to 30, from the homosexual demands of the Bagandan ruler, Mwanga, and
encouraged and instructed them in the Catholic faith during their imprisonment
for refusing the ruler’s demands.
Charles first learned of Christ’s teachings from two retainers
in the court of Chief Mawulugungu. While a catechumen, he entered the royal
household as assistant to Joseph Mukaso, head of the court pages.
On the night of Mukaso’s martyrdom for encouraging the African
youths to resist Mwanga, Charles requested and received baptism. Imprisoned
with his friends, Charles’s courage and belief in God inspired them to remain
chaste and faithful.
For his own unwillingness to submit to the immoral acts and his
efforts to safeguard the faith of his friends, Charles was burned to death at
Namugongo on June 3, 1886, by Mwanga’s order.
When Pope Paul VI canonized these 22 martyrs on October 18,
1964, he also made reference to the Anglican pages martyred for the same
reason.
Reflection
Like Charles Lwanga, we are all teachers and witnesses to
Christian living by the examples of our own lives. We are all called upon to
spread the word of God, whether by word or deed. By remaining courageous and
unshakable in our faith during times of great moral and physical temptation, we
live as Christ lived.
Lectio Divina: John 16:29-33
Lectio Divina
Monday, June 3, 2019
1) Opening prayer
Lord our God,
when Your Son Jesus had to pass through trials,
He knew that you were with Him
and He committed Himself into Your hands.
In this way He brought peace to people.
As people baptized into His name,
let Your Spirit help us to be brave
when suffering and difficulties come our way,
that, like Your Son and with Him,
we may overcome evil in ourselves
and in the world.
May our pains give birth
to love and peace and hope for others.
We ask You this through Christ our Lord.
when Your Son Jesus had to pass through trials,
He knew that you were with Him
and He committed Himself into Your hands.
In this way He brought peace to people.
As people baptized into His name,
let Your Spirit help us to be brave
when suffering and difficulties come our way,
that, like Your Son and with Him,
we may overcome evil in ourselves
and in the world.
May our pains give birth
to love and peace and hope for others.
We ask You this through Christ our Lord.
2) Gospel Reading - John 16:29-33
The disciples said to Jesus, "Now you are talking plainly,
and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and
that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe
that you came from God." Jesus answered them, "Do you believe now?
Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered
to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the
Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In
the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the
world."
3) Reflection
• The context of today’s Gospel continues to be the environment
of the Last Supper, an environment of fraternity and of farewell, of sadness
and expectation, which mirrors the situation in the communities of Asia Minor
at the end of the first century. In order to be able to understand the Gospels
well, we can never forget that they give the words of Jesus not as if they had
been recorded on a CD to transmit them literally. The Gospels are pastoral
writings which seek to embody and update the words of Jesus in the new
situations in which the communities find themselves in the second half of the
first century in Galilee (Matthew), in Greece (Luke), in Italy (Mark) and in
Asia Minor (John). In the Gospel of John, the words and the questions of the
disciples are not only those of the disciples. In fact, they reveal the
questions and problems of the communities. They are the mirror in which the
communities of that time, as well as those of today, are recognized with their
sadness and their anguish, with their joys and their hopesThey find light and
strength in the answers of Jesus.
• John 16:29-30: ‘Now, you are speaking plainly." Jesus had
told His disciples, ‘The Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me,
and you have believed that I come from God. I came from the Father and have
come into the world and now I am leaving the world to go to the Father (Jn
16:29-30)." Listening to this affirmation of Jesus, the disciples
answered, "Now You are speaking plainly and not using veiled language. Now
we see that You know everything and need not wait for questions to be put into
words. Because of this we believe that You came from God". The disciples
think that they have understood everything. Yes, truly they got a true light to
clarify their problems,but it was still a very dim light. They got the seed,
but at that moment, still did not know the tree. The light or the seed was the
fundamental intuition of faith according to which Jesus is for us the
revelation of God, who is Father: "Now we believe that you came from
God." This was only the beginning, the seed. Jesus Himself was and
continues to be the great parable, the revelation of God for us. God reaches us
and reveals Himself to us,, but God does not enter into any representations. He
exceeds all, goes beyond our representations and gives us the unexpected
surprise, which sometimes is very painful.
• John 16:31-32: You are leaving Me alone and yet I am not alone
because the Father is with Me. Jesus asks, "Do you believe at last?"
He knows His disciples. He knows that there is still much lacking in their
understanding of the mystery of God and of the Good News of God. He knows that
in spite of their good will and in spite of the light that they have just
received in that moment, they still have to face the unexpected and painful
surprise of the passion and death of Jesus. The small light that they got is
not sufficient to overcome the darkness of this crisis: "Behold, the time
will come, indeed it has come already, when you are going to be scattered, each
one going his own way and leaving Me alone; and yet I am not alone because the
Father is with Me." This is the source of certitude of Jesus and through
Jesus, this is and will be the source of certitude for all of us: The Father is
with me! When Moses was sent to liberate the people from the oppression of the
Egyptians, this being his mission, he received this certainty: “”Go! I am with
you” Ex 3:12). The certainty of the liberating presence of God is expressed in
the name that God assumes at the moment of the beginning of the Exodus and of
the liberation of his people: JHWH, God with us: This is the name for all time
(Ex 3:15).
• John 16:33: "Courage, I have conquered the world!"
And now we have the last sentence pronounced by Jesus who anticipates victory
and which will be a source of peace and of strength for the disciples of that
time, as well as for all of us, up until now: "I have told you all this so
that you may find peace in Me. In the world you will have hardship, but be
courageous, I have conquered the world." With His sacrifice made out of
love, Jesus conquers the world and Satan. His disciples are called to
participate in the struggle and the victory. "To feel the courage which He
gives is already to overcome the battle’. (L.A. Schokel)
4) For Personal Examination
• A small light helped the disciples to take a step farther, but
it did not light the whole journey. Have you had a similar experience in your
life?
• Courage, I have conquered the world! Has this saying of Jesus helped you some times in your life?
• Courage, I have conquered the world! Has this saying of Jesus helped you some times in your life?
5) Concluding Prayer
Protect me, O God, in You is my refuge.
To Yahweh I say, "You are my Lord, I have no good apart from You.
My birthright, my cup is Yahweh;
You, You alone, hold my lot secure." (Ps 16:1-2,5)
To Yahweh I say, "You are my Lord, I have no good apart from You.
My birthright, my cup is Yahweh;
You, You alone, hold my lot secure." (Ps 16:1-2,5)
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