Homily for Uganda martyrs (2: Maccabees 7: 1-2, 9-14; Psalms 124: 2-5, 7b-8; Matthew 10: 28-33)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, as we reflect on the heroic witness of the Uganda Martyrs, our Scripture readings speak powerfully to us about courage in the face of persecution and the promise of eternal life that sustains the faithful through their darkest trials.

In our first reading from the Second Book of Maccabees, we encounter a mother and her seven sons who refused to violate God's law by eating pork. When faced with torture and death, one of the brothers boldly proclaimed: "You are taking away our present lives, but the King of the universe will raise us up to live again forever, because we are dying for his laws." What extraordinary faith! Even as his body was being destroyed, his spirit remained unbroken, fixed on the promise of resurrection.

This same spirit of unwavering faith animated the Uganda Martyrs. Between 1885 and 1887, 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican converts were put to death by King Mwanga II of Buganda. These young men, many of them pages in the king's court, had embraced Christianity with fervent hearts. When ordered to renounce their faith or face death, they chose Christ, even at the cost of their lives.

Charles Lwanga, their leader, and his companions could have echoed the words we heard in the second reading from the Psalms: "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." As they faced the flames at Namugongo, they knew that though their bodies would perish, their souls were safe in God's hands.

In our Gospel, Jesus offers this profound teaching: "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." These words must have resonated deeply with the Uganda Martyrs as they faced their executioners. They understood what was truly at stake.

Jesus continues with a beautiful image of God's providence: "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father... So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows." The martyrs knew their value in God's eyes. They understood that even in death, they were precious to Him.

And then comes the promise that surely sustained them in their final moments: "Everyone who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven." The Uganda Martyrs acknowledged Christ before King Mwanga and his court, refusing to deny their Lord even when faced with unspeakable tortures.

What can we learn from their witness today?

First, the martyrs teach us about the true nature of courage. Christian courage is not about physical strength or bravado. It is about spiritual conviction—knowing what matters most and being willing to stand firm in that knowledge. The youngest of the Uganda Martyrs, Kizito, was only 14 years old. His physical strength was limited, but his spiritual strength was immense. In a world that often measures courage by physical prowess or social status, the martyrs remind us that true courage flows from faith.

Second, they teach us about the power of community. The Uganda Martyrs drew strength from one another. They prayed together as they awaited execution. They encouraged one another to remain steadfast. Saint Charles Lwanga, their leader, baptized four catechumens while in prison, ensuring they would not face death without the grace of baptism. In a culture that increasingly emphasizes individualism, the martyrs remind us that faith flourishes in community.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, they teach us about the resurrection. Like the brothers in Maccabees, the Uganda Martyrs died with their eyes fixed on eternal life. They understood that death was not the end but a passage to something greater. As one of the Maccabean brothers declared to his torturers: "It is my choice to die at the hands of mortals with the hope that God will restore me to life." This hope in resurrection transformed their suffering into a witness of love.

Pope Francis, reflecting on martyrdom, has said: "The martyrs are not 'losers' but the real winners: their memory reminds us that, with the power of love, with the power of God, one can fight against arrogance, violence, and war—and achieve peace."

The Uganda Martyrs were indeed the "real winners." Their blood became the seed of the Church in East Africa. Today, Uganda is a nation where Christianity flourishes, with over 40% of the population being Catholic. What appeared to be defeat in the eyes of the world became victory in God's plan.

Brothers and sisters, a few of us will be called to martyrdom in the literal sense. But all of us are called to bear witness to Christ in our daily lives. We may face ridicule rather than flames, social exclusion rather than execution. Yet the same promise that sustained the Uganda Martyrs sustains us: "Everyone who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven."

Saint Augustine reminds us: "The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church." The Uganda Martyrs planted seeds of faith that continue to bear fruit today. We, too, are called to plant seeds—perhaps through small acts of courage, through standing up for the vulnerable, through remaining faithful to Christ when it would be easier to compromise.

As we honor the Uganda Martyrs today, let us ask for their intercession. May they help us to face our own challenges with the same courage and hope that carried them through their final trial. May we, like them, keep our eyes fixed on the resurrection, knowing that "the King of the universe will raise us up to live again forever."

And may we never forget the price that was paid for the faith we now freely practice. As the Catechism teaches us: "Martyrdom is the supreme witness given to the truth of the faith: it means bearing witness even unto death" (CCC 2473).

Let us pray:

Lord God, you have made the blood of martyrs the seed of Christians. Through the intercession of Saint Charles Lwanga and his companions, grant that the Church in Uganda may continue to grow in strength and in freedom. May their example inspire us to live our faith with courage and conviction, no matter the cost. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.