Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, Pray for Us

Readings: 1^st: 1 Cor 12:31–13:13; Ps: 32; Gos: Lc 7:31-35

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico, the island of enchantment. He is the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. For more details and comments contact him at:  canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today, the Wednesday of the twenty-fourth week of ordinary time, the Church honors Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs.

Cornelius was the friend of Cyprian. They helped and encouraged each other during their struggles and persecutions.

Cornelius (251-253) was a Roman and the successor to Pope Fabian. During his reign, a controversy arose.  It was about the manner of reinstating those who had fallen from the faith under the force of persecution.

On account of his successful preaching, the pagans banished him to Centumcellae. He was beheaded in exile at Civitavecchia, Italy, in 253.

Cyprian was a pagan rhetorician in Carthage. He became a Christian in 246 and was consecrated priest and bishop in 248.

He defended the unity of the Church against schismatic movements. During the Valerian persecution in 258, he was beheaded. He suffered martyrdom in the presence of his flock.

In today’s gospel, using a parable, Jesus denounced the confusion and disbelief of his people. They are like children who do not know what they want.

One important point is clear. The attitude of the generation that Christ reprimanded is not different from the attitude of our generation. This is the attitude of indifference to the word of God and loss of the sense of the sacred.

Today, it is not uncommon to see that people, even in the Church, are so indifferent to the message they hear. Is it that the word of God is not we proclaimed? No! Instead, most people are too distracted like children that they hardly pay attention to the word of God.

As Christ said in today’s gospel, the best they can do is complain and find faults with the word God, the preacher, and the Church.

This lack of seriousness and coherence is very so clear in the life and attitude of most Christian today. Also, the bad will of our generation is so evident that it needs no proof.

So, let us ask God to help us to grow in maturity, and that our generation may pay more attention to his word and messengers.

Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, Pray for Us

Peace be with you all.

Maranatha!