Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Cornelius, Pp, and Saint Cyprian, B, Mm., (16th September, 2020) on the Gospel and the Memorial
1Cor 12:31–13:13;
Ps 32:2-5.12.22. (R. v. 12);
Lk 7:31-35.
Pope Saint Cornelius (251-253) battled among other problems reconciling apostates and schism. Contrary to those who said that they should not be forgiven and those with the opinion that they should be forgiven but without heavy penance, Cornelius decreed that they must be welcomed back and insisted that they perform adequate penance. He was exiled to Civitavecchia where he died a martyr probably of hardships.
Saint Cyprian of Carthage was born to wealthy pagans around the year 190. He was converted at the age of 56, ordained a priest a year later, and made bishop two years after. Cyprian was a close friend of Pope Cornelius. He supported him both against the anti-pope Novatian and in his views concerning the re-admittance of apostates into the Church. He was martyred during the persecutions of Emperor Valerian on September 14, 258.
Topic: Utmost Importance.
Jesus compared this generation with children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn” (Lk 7:32). This comparison was based on their inability to accept both John the Baptist and the Messiah irrespective of their life styles.
May be you have been worrying what you will do to please one person or the other. I want to remind you that we are still in that generation Jesus spoke about in today’s gospel or even in a worse one. Both Jesus and His forerunner were not bothered about this but that of Utmost Importance, doing the will of God, cf. Jn 6:38. So, listen to God and not to men, (cf. Acts 4:19) learn how to please God and not men as the Saints we celebrate today, cf. 1Thess 4:1.
God will repay every person according to his/her deed, cf. Matt 16:27, Rev 22:12. Focus on doing the will of God alone.
Bible Reading: Acts 4:1-22.
Thought for today: What is Utmost Important to you?
Let us pray: Lord, help us to listen to you and to please you alone – Amen.
Saint Cornelius and Saint Cyprian – Pray for us.
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