Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs
Life is difficult. Most of us have realized this truth a reality at some point in our lives. I often hear people remark, “that if I think I have it bad, look around, there are plenty of people who have it worse.” This is also true. Yet sometimes I wonder if it would be helpful to say, “yes life is difficult, but these difficulties are not meant to be the end.” Difficulties lead me to think of them as reminders that God is in control and we are not. I believe perhaps incorrectly that our trials can ultimately allow God to help us lift our hearts in offering to God.
Tobit and Sarah have very desperate feelings and prayers in today’s first reading from the Book of Tobit. Blind and bed-ridden, Tobit prays to the Lord for an end to his suffering; “command my life breath to be taken from, that I may go from the face of the Earth into dust.” Sarah prayerfully begs the Lord to have her die. God, of course, has other plans and the chapter finishes with an almost storybook ending. God sends an angel to heal Tobit’s eyes so that he could see again. The angel also straightens out Sarah’s life by having her marry Tobit’s son Tobiah and driving out the demon that has ended her last seven marriages before they even started.
In the gospel reading from Mark, Jesus responds to the Sadducees. Their question about resurrection is based on recalling Sarah’s situation in Tobit. Although they use marriage to test Jesus, the Sadducees miss the point. Jesus tries to teach them that the life after life is not the same as here. More importantly, Jesus quotes Exodus “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” The point being made is that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had already passed from this life but are alive with God now.
St. Charles, whose feast we celebrate today, suffered and was imprisoned for his steadfast belief. While in prison, he taught others the faith and encouraged them to stay strong even until possible martyrdom. His witness reminds us that no matter how desperate our lives seem, we are called to trust that God is working for the good. Ironically, St. Charles would rather die serving the Lord then live a life that defies God’s teachings.
Lord, there are many things that get us down. So many times, our daily sufferings can tempt our hearts to a place of despair from which it is hard to recover. In your compassion Lord, lead us away from our self-pity. Teach us your ways, O Lord, so that our sadness turns to joy and we lift up our souls to you. Amen!
-Michael Montgomery