Optional Memorial of Saints Cosmas, and Damian, Marytyrs

Brief Background:

Saints Cosmas and Damian were twin brothers, physicians, and early Christian martyrs, traditionally believed to have lived in the late third century. They became famous for caring for the sick without accepting payment, earning the title Anargyroi, meaning “the moneyless ones.” Their healing ministry was also a way of witnessing to their Christian faith. During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, they were arrested and eventually martyred rather than renounce Christ.

They are especially honored as patron saints of physicians, surgeons, pharmacists, and other medical professionals, and are invoked for the sick and for healing.



REFLECTION:

Have you ever noticed that when we see our coworkers after the weekend, or when we meet up with friends or family, one of the first things we ask is, “How was your weekend?”

And usually the next question is, “What did you do?” Or, “Did you do anything fun?” And we answer: “I went out to eat.” “I went to the beach.” “I watched football.” “I cleaned the house.” Or sometimes the best answer: “Absolutely nothing!”

We ask that question all the time: What did you do?

But today's first reading from Ecclesiastes almost takes that ordinary question and makes it much deeper. It says, “Rejoice, O young man, while you are young.” Enjoy your life. Enjoy the time God has given you. But then it adds something important: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.”

In other words, Scripture isn't telling us not to enjoy life. It's asking us: What are you doing with the life God has given you? Because eventually Ecclesiastes reminds us that everything passes. Our youth passes. Our strength changes. The things we own eventually belong to somebody else. Our time here is limited.

So maybe instead of simply asking each other on Monday morning, “Did you do anything fun this weekend?” imagine if somebody asked you: “What did you do with the life God gave you this weekend?”

Did you love someone? Did you help someone? Did you spend time with your family? Did you pray? Did you forgive someone? Did you make someone's life a little easier?

That's exactly what we see in the saints we celebrate today, Saints Cosmas and Damian. They were physicians who used their knowledge and abilities to care for the sick, traditionally remembered for doing so without accepting payment. They understood that their gifts weren't simply something God gave to them; their gifts were something God wanted to give through them.

And then we come to the Gospel. Everyone is amazed at Jesus and everything he is doing. Yet Jesus tells his disciples that the Son of Man will be handed over.

Jesus knows his earthly life will not last forever. So what does he do with the life he has?

He gives it away.

He gives his time. He gives his compassion. He gives his mercy. And ultimately, on the Cross, he gives his very life.

Maybe that's the invitation for us today.

Enjoy your life. Have fun. Enjoy your weekends. Ecclesiastes actually tells us to rejoice! But while we're asking, “What am I going to do this weekend?”, maybe add one more question: “Lord, what do you want me to do with the life you have given me?”

Because one day all of our weekends will run out. All of our days will run out. And perhaps the measure of a good life isn't simply how much we enjoyed it, but how much of it we gave away in love.

Saints Cosmas and Damian, pray for us.