WHAT’S LIFE TO YOU?
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- Aug 21
- 3 min read
Today’s Readings:
Acts 20:17-27
Psalm 68:10-11,20-21
John 17:1-11
The feast of the Ugandan Martyrs Charles Lwanga and companions, was held recently. Here is an excerpt from the “Universalis” website:
“Saint Charles Lwanga and his Companions were a group of twenty-two Catholic martyrs, killed for their faith in Uganda between 1885 and 1887. They were part of a wider persecution of Christian converts (both Catholic and Anglican denominations) under the rule of King Mwanga II of Buganda. The king, fearing the growing influence of Christianity in his court and angered by its opposition to his immoral demands, especially toward young male pages, began a brutal campaign against the Christian converts. Charles Lwanga, a court official and a devout Catholic, courageously protected the younger boys from the king’s abuses and continued to instruct them in the faith, even after the murder of the Catholic missionary Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe.
On 3 June 1886, Charles and twelve of his companions were burned alive at Namugongo, having refused to renounce their faith. Their martyrdom became a powerful witness, inspiring the growth of Christianity throughout Uganda and beyond. Pope Paul VI canonised them in 1964, recognising not only their heroic virtue but also the extraordinary witness of a young, indigenous African Church. The feast holds special significance in Africa, especially in Uganda, where they are national heroes and spiritual intercessors.” No one becomes a saint by accident. You must desire sainthood to attain it. Desire is the first ingredient, then a statement of purpose, constant prayer, daily works of charity, hatred for sin and a firm decision to grow daily in love of God and neighbour.
These ingredients were evident in Saint Paul’s farewell speech to the Church in Corinth, to whom he says:
“But life to me is not a thing to waste words on, provided that when I finish my race, I have carried out the mission the Lord Jesus gave me – and that was to bear witness to the Good News of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:25).
Jesus expresses his commitment to God’s glory in his farewell prayer before His disciples:
“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work which you gave me to do; and now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory which I had with you before the world was made.” (John 17:3-5)
The goal of life is to do God’s will and share in His glory. Is this your purpose on earth? Let us pray to the Holy Spirit for a clear sense of purpose in our Christian journey.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully seek out a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor, or priest.
Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit, fill my heart with a firm commitment to doing God’s will on earth, to desire holiness of life and to do all things for His glory and my salvation.
Teach me to treat every moment as my last and live for you alone. Amen.
Holy Spirit, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Help me to live each day in union with my Saviour, to spread His glory everywhere, to reflect His love in my actions, to speak forth His kindness in every word and make my life a living sacrifice. Amen.
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