HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 7TH WEEK OF EASTER
THEME: Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.
BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
HOMILY FOR FRIDAY JUNE 3 2022
Memorial of Saints Charles Lwanga and his Companions, Martyrs
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Acts 25:13-21
Psalm 102:1-2,11-12,19-20
John 21:15-19
*ABOUT THE GOSPEL OF TODAY*
According to this morning’s gospel reading, the first question the risen Jesus asks Peter is, ‘Do you love me?’ Jesus was giving Peter the opportunity to come back into communion with him. The risen Lord gives the same opportunity to all of us, and gives us that opportunity over and over again. The question, ‘Do you love me?’ is asked by the one who has loved us as the Father has loved him, who has loved us with a divine love. It is not an accusing question; it is an inviting question calling us back into communion with the Lord if, for whatever reason, we have fallen out of communion with him.
*ABOUT THE FEAST OF TODAY*
Dear friends, today we also celebrate the Feast of the Holy Martyrs of Uganda, that is, St. Charles Lwanga and his many companions.
These were the early christians, persecuted, arrested, tortured and killed for their faith in Uganda, during the early years of Christian mission in that area. This was the time when, Christian missionaries just arrived in Uganda, over the several years in which they ministered to the locals.
*CONCLUSION*
Brothers and sisters in Christ, today as we listened to these courageous and great examples of faith despite persecution and hardships, all of us are reminded to be strong and faithful, to steel our resolve to be good and dedicated Christians at all times. We should not let the challenges and hardships we encountered and will face in the future from changing this faith and commitment we have in God. Let us all look upon the examples of the Apostles, the saints and martyrs like the Holy Martyrs of Uganda, St. Charles Lwanga and his companions. Holy Martyrs of Uganda, courageous servants of God and beloved disciples of Our Lord and Saviour, pray for us! Amen.
Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA