Today I’m going to focus on the optional Memorial readings at Mass, commemorating the saints Cosmas and Damian, my patron saints.
According to Wikipedia, Cosmas and Damian were third century, twin, Arabian born brothers who became physicians. They practiced their profession in the seaport of Aegeae, then in the Roman province of Syria. Cosmas and Damian practiced medicine and surgery without a fee. They were martyred for being Christian.
Persevere
Since I was born in Bahrain, which is in the Middle East, next to Saudi Arabia, I feel I can relate to these two physicians. And I do invoke their intercession especially in times of sickness.
All of the readings today refer to persevering in faith during our lives here on earth, in order to receive the glory of eternal life.
The first reading might sound familiar to a lot of people, especially those commonly attending funerals. It is taken from the Book of Wisdom and refers to the souls of the deceased:
“The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace.” … and again “Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.”
Whenever I hear these words, they bring me so much comfort, and hopefully also to those who mourn their loved ones. I have visions of being in heaven surrounded by a multitude of angels.
Every Day is a Gift
I remind myself almost daily that every day is a gift from God, and at any time, and without warning, I can be called home, to give an accounting of my life here on earth. It is a sobering thought for sure, but also one that we need to pay heed to. We need to be like the wise virgins who took oil for their lamps, not knowing when the bridegroom would come, so as to be prepared. We too, need to be ready to meet our maker at any time, and to be found in a state of grace.
For those who might be facing difficulties or hardships at this time, take solace in the responsorial psalm telling us that “those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.”
Even the Gospel acclamation states:
“Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, For when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life.”
Mandate
In the Gospel, Christ himself gives us this mandate, as he said to His Apostles:
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. … Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”
Let us be proud of our Catholic faith and not shy away from professing our belief no matter where we are. A few examples include,
-making the sign of the cross whenever you pass a Catholic church;
-when you see a firetruck or ambulance go by with siren and lights flashing, whispering a quick prayer for the sick or injured person;
-Be bold in saying grace before meals even in fancy restaurants and no matter who your fellow guests are;
-Always praying a daily rosary no matter how late at night it may be;
-Making the attempt to attend Sunday mass even when on vacation in exotic locations (that’s the beauty of our universal Catholic faith);
-And most importantly, living out our Christianity in the way we treat people, with kindness and compassion.
