Martyrs for the Faith
On June 3 our liturgical calendar remembers the Martyrs of Uganda. On that day, in 1886, thirty-two young men were burned to death for their refusal to renounce Christianity. These were the first of many martyrs in Uganda who died for the faith, choosing to place their loyalty to Christ and not to the king of Uganda.
This persecution echoes the persecution of early Christians in the Roman Empire who remained steadfast in their faith, often until death.
A martyr is simply a witness, one who stands firm in one’s belief. It took on the meaning of a witness willing to die in the early years of the Church when so many believers were executed for choosing loyalty to Jesus and not to the emperor.
Many early settlers in what was to become the United States came for religious freedom, to escape persecution in their home countries. The Episcopal Church changed its Book of Common Prayer in 1789 because the church in this newly-formed United States would not and could not bear allegiance to a king, which was required in the Church of England.
Throughout the world today, followers of Jesus are persecuted, often martyred for their beliefs. Even in the Holy Land, Christian communities face violence, oppression, and danger as they try to lead their lives of worship, education, and healing.
We have much to learn from the steadfast faith of these believers throughout the millennia.
Early on Jesus said “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and to God that which is God’s”, knowing that centering on God grounds all secular activities.
We know that Jesus’s radical messages of loving neighbor, caring for the marginalized, and honoring community were threatening to the Empire. True followers of Jesus today may face similar resistance.
Jesus knew the journey would not be easy, as he noted in his Sermon on the Mount:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12)
The good news is the Good News. True followers of Jesus spread love and kindness on almost every continent. Uganda now is the most Christian country in Africa. Christian humanitarian ministries in the Holy Land continue with the people exhibiting “sumud”, resilience, hope, and persistence in the face of oppression and danger.
May we remain steadfast in our faith. May we bear witness to the Good News of Jesus and to the power of the Holy Spirit to transform lives for the greater good.
Pentecost blessings,
Judy Q+
