Ordinary Martyrdom!

If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him. (2 Timothy 2: 11-12)

Since Pentecost, we have leapt back into “Ordinary Time”, which seems to be rooted in the concepts of reaching out of one’s self in mission, trust, prayer, persistence, patience and sacrifice!

None of these concepts are by any means ordinary in our world today, but they are the basic foundation of living our faith. What is ordinary in faith, must seem extraordinary to the world. Take the example of St. Charles Lwanga and his Companions. These Ugandans were martyred as they attempted to resist the immorality and the persecution of the Bagandan ruler, Mwanga. While imprisoned, Charles taught the faith, and helped many come to an understanding of the true core of its teachings. At the height of their persecution, the group was led on a 37 mile hike to the place of their execution, Namugongo. After their arrival, they waited for several days, and then, on June 3, 1886 Charles and his companions (made up of Catholics and Protestants) were burned to death. As they awaited execution, they proclaimed “You can burn our bodies, but you cannot burn our souls!” While one of the group also exclaimed, “Goodbye, then. I am going to Heaven, and I will pray to God for you."

This is an “ordinary” response in faith, for in faith we have nothing to fear! Now I’m sure that we’re not all going be persecuted, and I thank God for that! But it follows, that in faith, we are all going be tested! St. Charles and his Companions were canonized in 1964, and set as an example to all, especially youth and those who put their faith into action. They are Saints because the world needs “extraordinary” examples to make faith more ordinary in their lives!

I do not dwell on martyrdom for the shock value, nor the tragedy. I also do not bring it up to call you or me to be a martyr today. I simply offer, that on this Feast Day for St. Charles Lwanga and his Companions, what is extraordinary in the sacrifice of few to live their faith to the bitter end, and share in the promise of Heaven, is actually quite ordinary to a person of faith. So, knowing that we might not actually have to die for Christ today, we should understand that the ease with which we sacrifice our time, energy, and self is indicative to strength of the faith we proclaim. If it seems ordinary to reach out of yourself in mission, trust, prayer, persistence, patience and sacrifice... Then we’re all in good hands!