Reflection on Today's Readings, Thursday of 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1, and the Memorial of SS. Cyprian and Cornelius, September 16th, 2021
Texts: 1Tim. 4:12 -16; Ps.111:7—8.9.10; Luke 7:36-50
Today's first reading reminds us that our sins, no matter how many there are, disappear in the face of love. Jesus says, " Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” This word of our Lord reminds us of the word of St. Peter, "Love covers over a multitude of sins" (1Pet. 4:8). If we turn to God in love wholeheartedly and serve Him in truth, God will not reckon with our past. Mind you, to turn to God is to be ready to make reparation for your sins. It also brings to mind the word of St. Paul, "But where sin increased, grace increased all the more". If one's sins are many, one needs more grace to be saved. God supplies the grace freely when we turn to him in love and in truth.
Jesus Christ reminds us, today, that we should not write-off any sinner; there is hope for them. We should not condemn anyone to hell; in so far he is still alive, the opportunity to gain heaven is always there. In words and deeds we need to encourage them to come to God. By our action and word we are not to close against them the opportunity to be saved. We are to speak to them the word of God and also pray for their conversion.
St. Paul encourages us in the person of Timothy to lead an exemplary life. He says, "Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." He asks us not to fail in our Christian duties and in putting into use the gift of God in us. He puts it thus: "Till I come, attend to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress". Our Christian duties are reading of Scripture, preaching and teaching; we must not fail in them, for they lead us into salvation. Any gift we have, we are to use it for our salvation and salvation of others.
The two saints, Cornelius and Cyprian, devoted themselves to the reading of Scripture, preaching and teaching and also put their gifts into use for the glory of God. St. Cornelius was called to be Pope in year 251 at the time of religious persecution and dissension in the Church. He devoted his time and gifts to strengthening the unity of the Church. St. Cyprian put into use his persuasive talent to help St. Cornelius in strengthening the unity of the Church. Some of his sayings are: "One cannot have God for his Father who does not have the Church for his Mother "; "Whatever forsakes its mother's womb can neither live nor breathe on his own, but loses the possibility of salvation." (Word of Eternal Life, vol. 2, p.251)
The life of St. Cyprian also reminds us of God’s mercy, for he turned to the true God in year 245. He was ordained priest and became bishop of Carthage in 249. He was martyred in year 258 during the persecution of Valerian. St. Cornelius was exiled by Emperor Gallus. The suffering of the exile led to his death in year 253.
St. Cornelius and Cyprian, pray for us. Amen
Fr. Andrew Olowomuke
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