June 3, 2026
St. Charles Lwanga and Companions
Facing Hardships?
…bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God…and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus…
2 Timothy 1:8, 9

St. Paul, the prisoner, knows of hardship. We may face physical and emotional hardships due to our choices for Christ and the teachings of his Church. Standing up or standing out from among our peers or families when it comes to this faith, we may naturally fear facing scorn, being ostracized or worse. I can’t pretend it hasn’t happened to me, and the short list of my losses includes friends, opportunities and income I thought I needed. Your list may be different. But Paul encourages us not to keep score, for some losses are gains. And, most importantly, we are not alone: What we suffer is not unknown to Christ. For he is inside each suffering with us. His strength is promised so we can live this call. The struggle is real, but greater still are the consolations in following Christ and walking with the Church, for that is where we experience grace.

- Pat Gohn

2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12 ✚ Psalm 123:1-2 ✚ Mark 12:18-27
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Comments

Salina (not in control)
June 3, 2026 at 09:51 AM

Indeed, Pat, “We may face physical and emotional hardships due to our choices for Christ and the teachings of His Church!” *** It is important to know the difference between suffering for Christ because of our faith verses suffering from our human mistakes of sins!!! 1 Peter 2:19-21, “Suppose a person suffers pain unfairly because they want to obey God. This is worthy of praise. But suppose you receive a beating for doing wrong, and you put up with it. Will anyone honor you for this? Of course not. But suppose you suffer for doing good, and you put up...
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Patrick
June 6, 2026 at 12:59 AM

Yes indeed Salina, we have the choice after all God very wisely (no surprise there) gave humanity free will. — Suffering for the truth is an honour and not in the slightest detracts me from staying on the true path.—- On the other hand suffering because of my mistakes (sin) was very distasteful and painful. When I finally accepted the good news that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life my choices changed for the better and so did my life. — I was set free.

Holly
June 3, 2026 at 09:50 AM

Amen.

freeter
June 3, 2026 at 09:18 AM

Amen. :)

CBR
June 3, 2026 at 09:17 AM

Lord let me see all the light of your son's heart let it shine down on us all in Jesus name I pray Amen Amen Amen

ADV
June 3, 2026 at 09:16 AM

AMEN!

Stormi
June 3, 2026 at 08:50 AM

Pat your comments recall many memories for me but soothing thoughts to know that like you God has been there through it all. I pray for all to feel his love through hard and good times everyday. It's a tough world we live in and need Gods love to guide us. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days. LFF you are all very special people and I pray for God to hold each and everyone of you in his hands daily. "OHANA" Holy Spirit, love of God, guide us to a more heavenly earth.

Gary
June 3, 2026 at 08:03 AM

Peace be with you. Amen!

Mike
June 3, 2026 at 08:26 AM

Amen

Cheryl
June 3, 2026 at 07:08 AM

Amen .. thank you Pat... the struggle is really real but as you said... we walk with Christ...peace and joy of the Lord are our end results... Tomorrow, Corpus Christi is a national holiday in our island...early morning mass begins with a procession from the church to a certain point where there is singing and praise and adoration... it is a day of renewal and increased spiritual strength which the parishioners always look forward to.....Terence, I hope your daughter is doing well now...Happy birthday blessings to your son and Grand son, Sunshine...I hope they had an awesome time

Patrick
June 3, 2026 at 04:45 AM

In May 1998 I read a piece of scripture John 16:33,  “I have told you these things, so that you can have peace because of me. In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged! I have won the battle over the world.” —- I knew that I was on the cusp of facing challenges in my career and personal life. I see challenges as opportunities. 28 years later I can look back over a period that challenged me and changed me forever. Had I known what was ahead of me I would have been terrified. Mercifully I was...
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