 |
| An icon of Janani Luwum, martyr and Archbishop of the Church of Uganda |
When I hear stories about martyred saints though I get another feeling altogether. Those happy butterflies turn into nauseating pterodactyls. The story about the person of God that we celebrate today in the Church is a terrifying and inspiring tale of Faith, valor, and moral fortitude. We remember this day Janani Luwum.
Luwum was born in 1922 in Northern Uganda. He was a teacher and lay reader before being sent to Canterbury (St. Augustine’s) to be trained as an ordained minister. As a priest he served twenty-four congregations for several years, taught at a local theological school, and went back to England for further studies (London College of Divinity). God called him to serve as bishop of Northern Ugandan in 1969. Five years later he was elected Archbishop of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Boga-Zaire. Luwum’s service to the Church stands out as noble; however, what happened once he became Archbishop reflects clearly the light of Christ!
At that time Idi Amin was standing in power as a military dictator in Uganda. Amin ruled brutally over the people. Government troops ransacked a university where Luwum was the chair. After drafting a memorandum of protest against the state-sanctioned practices of rape and murder, the government-military searched Luwum’s home for arms. Amin soon summoned Luwum to his palace. With other Anglican, Catholic bishops, and even Muslim leaders Luwum went to the headquarters of Amin. The dictator accused Luwum of a murderous plot, then let most of the clerics go freely. Luwum was made to stay, and said to his friends, “They are going to kill me. I am not afraid.” Never was he seen alive again, but instead of telling the truth the government lied to its people saying Luwum died in a car accident while resisting arrest. Later his bullet-filled body was given to his family for a proper burial.
The stories of the Old Testament help us to not be afraid walking into the face of danger, opposing those in earthly seats of power. And yet, the story of Christ’s betrayal, torture, crucifixion, and death and that retelling through the martyrs of the Church encourage us to share the Good News even in the face of persecution. Yes, they do not have a neat, tidy, and happy ending. Yes, it seems awfully far-fetched that any of us will die a martyr’s death. Still, Luwum’s story is the story of Jesus. And, we are called in no less a way to make Christ known even in the face of drastic repercussions.
Martyrs teach us again the lesson that Jesus shared from the Cross. We must stand up to oppression of all kinds, but those who die preaching the Good News did not wake up one morning and think, “Today seems like a good day to be a martyr.” No, they had been practicing for this moment for years and years. To be a martyr means that we die, so that Christ might live in us. As Paul wrote to the Galatians, “It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.” This is the goal, the end for all of us who call ourselves Christians.
We are called to in small ways let go of our individual selves, so that Christ may live in our stead. Take time each day sacrificing something else, so that you may pray. Carve out moments to dwell in God’s Holy Word. Take opportunities to serve those who are hurting, poor, and hungry in this world. This is the road to martyrdom. Yes, those Old Testament stories teach us not to be afraid, but the stories of martyrs show us the way that each of us must go courageously giving up our selves, so that Christ may be born through us. Be bold, be courageous, sacrifice yourself, so that Christ may live!
No comments:
Post a Comment