It is the 3rd century! The persecution of the Christians is still underway with Decius as Emperor of Rome. Fabian, the pope has died, but due to the persecutions going on, it took a year and a half to elect the new pope: Cornelius. In the interim period, a simple priest named Novatian acted as official spokesman for the Church. When it came time for the election of the new pope he thought he would be the logical choice: but he wasn't. They elected a priest named Cornelius instead.
Novatian, in retaliation, got himself ordained a bishop and set himself up as the anti-pope – he had many supporters. Novatian's chief argument and disagreement with Cornelius was that those who had lapsed from the Christian faith, as a result of the persecutions, should not ever be allowed to be reconciled. Cornelius thought that after proper confession and penance that they ought to be reunited with the Church! It was a hotly debated topic!
In a subsequent synod of Rome, Novatian and his followers were formally excommunicated. Now, a supporter of Cornelius – all along – and for the most part – was Cyprian of Carthage. He was a polished orator and politician who became a priest and then a bishop. He agreed with Cornelius that a more "Christian" approach needed to be taken with the apostatized Catholics.
Cyprian's greatest legacy was his writings, which were translated into Greek – a rarity for a Latin writer. His concerns were focused on the unity of the Church, the office of bishop, the primacy of the Bishop of Rome, and the Sacraments (especially, Baptism, Penance and Eucharist).
Both Cornelius and Cyprian were martyred as a result of the continuation of the persecutions in the 3rd century!
The first reading today reminds us all that we carry about within us the dying of Jesus – so that we might also share in the newness of his resurrected life. The controversies and difficulties of the 3rd century Church and the 21st century Church reflect that same dynamic! Therefore we must embrace the gift of "dying-ness" that is given to us as members of the Church – we must value it as a treasure we hold in earthen vessels – so that we may experience the surpassing power and glory that comes from it, also as God's free and gratuitous gift!
In the gospel passage Jesus asks his Father to protect those who are chosen to lead the Church of God – to give them strength and hope in joy, in all they do. Just as Cornelius and Cyprian needed prayers of the Church of their day – so do Benedict XVI and Richard Malone and our local pastors and priests and deacons need our prayers and support! We pray for them today!
On this feast of holy martyrs we remember: those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing!
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