Tobit 6:10-11, 7:1, 9-14, 8:4-9; Psalm 128; Mark 12:28-34
The first reading is a combination of about three chapters of the book of Tobit. These chapters present us with the marriage of Tobias to Sarah. Sarah’s father warns Tobias of the fate of those who marry his daughter yet Tobias goes ahead with the marriage regardless of her story. To all singles out there “who go marry you go marry you regardless of your story”. Tobias married Sarah and on the first night of their wedding, they knelt down and prayed. Beloved, prayer is the foundation of any successful home. If you can pray your marriage will work. Again, marriage is for those who are ready to die to themselves. We must kill our pride so that love can prevail. Jesus commands us to love in the gospel; if we cannot sacrifice the self we cannot love. For love, Tobias disregarded the scaring background of Sarah. For Love, Charles Lwanga and Companions died for the faith and so the Church honours them today. St. Charles Lwanga patron saint of Catholic youth; converts; torture victims and Courage Apostolate, pray for us!
PRAYER FOR OUR YOUTH
Father, in the name of Jesus and by the Holy Spirit, empower every youth with supernatural wisdom. Endue every youth with the Spirit of excellence for their supernatural turnaround. Endue every youth with the Spirit of grace and supplication, thereby positioning them for the full delivery of their blessings. Fill every youth with the Spirit of the fear of the Lord, resulting in the manifestation of Your favour in there life. Let every youth be liberated from all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit. Let every barrier standing in the way of the return of any challenged youth, be brought down. Redirect the steps of every embattled youth back to God and grant each one of them a welcome package. Visit every discouraged youth thereby re-establishing them in the faith. Instantly heal everyone called sick among the youths and restore them to perfect health. Deliver every youth from all oppressions of the devil and establish their liberty right now. Those searching for job may they be blessed with a good job. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Brief Account
Charles was one of twenty-two Uganda martyrs who was converted from paganism. Charles inspired and encouraged his companions to remain chaste and faithful. He protected them, ages 13-30, from the immoral acts and homosexual demands of the Babandan ruler, Mwanga. They stood for the True Faith and died for it. He was burned to death by Mwanga’s order on June 3, 1886. Pope Paul VI canonized Charles Lwanga and his companions on June 22,1964. He is the Patron of African Catholic Youth Action; Catholic youth; converts; torture victims and Courage Apostolate.
FOR GOD AND FOR YOUTHS, THROUGH CHRIST!
