+ Saints Cosmas and Damian (who died around the year 287), are the patron saints of physicians along with St. Luke. They are also patron saints of nurses, surgeons, pharmacists, dentists, and barbers. Their legend says that they were twin brothers born in Arabia and doctors who practiced medicine without taking fees for service. Many cures are attributed to them. They made no secret of their Christian faith and were arrested during the Diocletian persecution. They were brought before the governor of Cilicia and were martyred in Cyrrhus, north of Antioch. A great basilica was built there in their honor. A famous painting of them was done by Fra Angelico.
The spirit of the early Christian martyrs, including Cosmas and Damian is found in the first reading today: the souls of the just are (always) in the hands 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….for as gold in the furnace, God has proved them worthy of themselves, and they shall reign with God forever!
Jesus tells those who suffer for him not to be afraid, for God, his Father and theirs, knows exactly what is going on, and will always give the exact measure of help and strength needed to do his will in acknowledging him before mankind!
Sts. Cosmas and Damian pray for us today that we may persevere in doing God's holy will – especially when it would be easier or safer not to!
Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing!
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