Friday June 3

St Charles Lwanga and Companions

Acts 25:13-21; Psalm 103: 1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab; John 21:15-19

Courageously losing all

Charles was martyred, along with 21 others, in Uganda in 1886. A member of the royal court he refused to take part in the sexual looseness of the court. He encouraged other young men to do the same. He was only a catechumen when he was condemned to be burnt at the stake for his stand. The night before his martyrdom he was baptised. We may not have to face death for our convictions but we should pray to have the courage to stand up for what we believe in, even when it may invite ridicule and insult.