This time of year is filled with graduation farewell speeches that are sincerely delivered to the graduates by leaders who share truths that they’ve come to know and value. Their speeches are earnest and honest, with words that are encouraging and inspiring.
In today’s readings, we also hear farewell speeches. Jesus and St. Paul are each completing their life’s work and are anxious to share one last message with their followers. They are both reflecting on the way they had responded to their call from God. Jesus knew he had finished the work that God had given him to do and, as he prepares for death, is glorifying his Father. Paul, too, is saying goodbye to the community at Ephesus, preparing for the uncertainty that lies ahead of him, and knowing he did God’s mission for them to the best of his ability.
We also celebrate today another leader whose life was well lived in God who likewise shared parting words at his death. St. Charles Lwanga was born in 1865 in Uganda. He was a servant of the King of Uganda who began to persecute Christians. In 1885 Charles Lwanga converted to Catholicism and secretly baptized 22 young royal page boys who were in his charge.
Later that day, the king called a court assembly in which he interrogated all present to see if any would renounce Christianity. Charles Lwanga and the 22 royal page boys declared fidelity to their religion and refused to give in to the sexual demands of the King who then ordered them bound and condemned to death. After marching for 2 days, they were burned to death in 1886 on the feast of the Ascension. As he was dying, Charles’ last words to the guard were: "It is as if you are pouring water on me. Please repent and become a Christian like me." Charles and his companions were canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1964.
Jesus, Paul and Charles Lwanga all lived out their call from God in their own unique way, with the individual gifts they were given, and in the troubled times in which they lived. They had a personal relationship with God first and relied on the Holy Spirit to be with them.
We, too, face loss and uncertainty in our lives on many levels, whether it be in our families, health challenges, or emotional stresses. But we are first and foremost witnesses of Christ in all these situations, with our own unique gifts and talents to share. We are always being called to deepen our prayer life, like Jesus, rely on the Holy Spirit, like Paul, and practice our faith in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, like Charles and his companions.
May we be like them as we give glory to the Father and encouragement to others in the circumstances of our own lives.
