Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter

Brothers and sisters, today’s readings bring us into the quiet, honest moments of Jesus and Paul, both nearing the end of their earthly missions. They speak with deep love and clarity—not with fear or regret, but with the peace that comes from knowing they’ve given their all.

In the Gospel, Jesus prays to the Father. It’s a personal, heartfelt prayer as He prepares to return, but His heart remains with those He walked with. He doesn’t ask for an easy life for them. He prays for their unity, for their protection, and for their strength: “Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.” He entrusts His mission to them—to us—to continue what He began.

In Acts, Paul says goodbye to the leaders of the Church in Ephesus. He doesn’t boast or complain. He simply says: I’ve done what God asked of me. I’ve shared the message of Jesus. He didn’t chase comfort or safety—he stayed the course. “I do not count my life of any value to myself,” he says, “if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace.” It’s a quiet kind of courage. A life poured out in service.

Jesus and Paul show us that discipleship is not about holding tightly to what we have. It’s about sharing the Good News and trusting others to carry it forward. That takes humility. It takes faith. But this is how the Church grows—person to person, heart to heart.

As we come to the close of the Easter season, we’re reminded that the Resurrection isn’t the end of the story. It’s a new beginning. The Easter light has been passed on to us, and now we’re called to carry it into our homes, families, classrooms, and communities—not just through words, but through action.

Here in Zambia, this message speaks to our reality. We know what it means to face hardship—unemployment, inequality, political frustration, and the struggles of daily life. And yet, Jesus still calls us to unity and hope. He calls us to care for one another, especially the poor and those who are overlooked. This is the Gospel in action—not just in our churches, but in the streets, the markets, the schools, and the workplaces.

Today we also remember St. Charles Lwanga and his companions—young men from Uganda who stood firm in their faith, even to the point of death. They didn’t give in. They didn’t compromise. Their witness is especially powerful for young people today, who face their own pressures and temptations. Their courage invites us to ask: What am I willing to stand for? What am I afraid to give up for Christ?

As we prepare for Pentecost, we remember that the same Holy Spirit who gave strength to the apostles and to the Uganda Martyrs is alive in us today. The Spirit brings unity and communion. The Spirit helps us carry the light and stay faithful. The Spirit unites the Church and draws us to the Father through the Son. The Spirit moves us to love, even when it’s difficult.

So let us ask ourselves:

• Who around me needs to hear and see the faith lived out—through my words, actions, and care?
• Where in my life do I need to build peace, especially among those who are struggling or feel forgotten?
• What might I need to let go of—fear, comfort, control—so I can follow Jesus more freely?

Jesus has entrusted us with this mission—not to carry alone, but together, as one family in faith. He has risen, and the work continues—here in Zambia, in our lives, our hands, and our hearts. May we carry it forward with courage and love. May the Holy Spirit, who binds us together in love, help us live generously and serve faithfully.

Let us pray.

Lord, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, that we may be one as you are one with the Father. Give us the courage to carry your light into the world, to love and serve one another, especially those in need. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.