Greetings on this the Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs
Readings: Sir 51:12 cd-20; PS 19:8, 9, 10, 11; Mk 11:27-33
Notes: What moves us? Tomorrow is Trinity Sunday!
What drives us (or motivates us) to do one thing or another?
John the Baptist, who died for his confrontation with King Herod, was driven or motivated by the Divine.. Our saints today, Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs, were motivated by the Divine.
It is worth noting that each of these examples came about by the misappropriation of intimate relation for all the wrong reasons by those in power.
Three Examples of wrong reason
- John the Baptist: Herod wanted his brother’s wife (and she wanted him) as a source to consolidate their power .
- Charles Lwanga: Bagandan ruler, Mwanga, used homosexual abuse to solidify his absolute control over his kingdom.
- Droit du seigneur (‘right of the lord’), also known as ius primae noctis (‘right of the first night’), was a supposed legal right in medieval Europe, allowing feudal lords to have sexual relations with subordinate women, in particular, on the wedding nights of the women.
Right Reason
Motivated by Divine Love to bring salvation, peace and right relation. This is the compelling force. This is the work of the Holy Trinity, particular to each person, manifested in an individual way.
We too are called to make our actions from the Divine Origin.
Here is the chilling part: Honesty is required.
Honesty.
We must dialog honestly with the Lord.
When those who opposed him did the raw calculation of how to answer, not out of a reflection on truth and evidence, but on the political calculus they fell into a trap made by their own minds.
- If we answer ‘Heavenly’ origin – this.
- If we answer ‘Human’ origin – that.
- Therefore, we shall give no account of our mind and thoughts, we shall simply lie, “We do not know”. We do not know (we offer no reflection):
- Which for them is equal to saying, we don’t want to know. We don’t actually really care how or why John the Baptist speaks.
They closed their minds and hearts to hear the divine.
Jesus replied by describing what they have decided to do.
You can not hear the divine voice.
You refuse to hear the divine voice.
Then Jesus said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
When you are uncomfortable with your thoughts or actions, do not close your mind to the divine. When you are judgmental of others and their actions, do not close your mind to the divine.
Instead have the honest dialog with the Lord.
- What are the origins of my thoughts?
- Who am I listening to: man or God?
Then, being open to the Lord, he is able to enlighten you and bring you salvation, peace and right relation.
Below: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-charles-lwanga-and-companions/
Reflection
Like Charles Lwanga, we are all teachers and witnesses to Christian living by the examples of our own lives. We are all called upon to spread the word of God, whether by word or deed. By remaining courageous and unshakable in our faith during times of great moral and physical temptation, we live as Christ lived.
First Reading
When I was young and innocent, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer I prayed for her before the temple, and I will seek her until the end, and she flourished as a grape soon ripe.
Responsorial
The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
Gospel Acclamation
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Gospel
The Authority of Jesus Questioned.
“Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.” They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?” – they feared the crowd, So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.”
Then Jesus said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry