Saints Cosmas and Damian, twin brothers born in Arabia, went to Syria to study and practice medicine. These two brothers, while working as physicians to the locals, also brought their belief in Christ to those to whom they ministered. Their ministry was entirely gratis, that is, without charging any fees. Due to their Christian faith and devotion, they were tortured and beheaded.
Devotion to these two brothers grew, and many cures were said to have been working through their intercessions.
In today’s gospel, Jesus tells us “whoever receives this child in my name receives mem and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” This statement of Jesus is quiet revolutionary.
At the time of Christ, children were less thought of. In the Roman world, infanticide, abortion, and child abandonment were rampant. One of the great missions of Christians for the first few centuries of the church was trying to save children abandoned by their parents. Does it sound familiar to us today?
Christianity is counter-cultural. For Jesus to tell his audience to “receives little children.” In another context Jesus says, if you want to enter into eternal life, you must be like little children.
In our spiritual journey, we are called to trust in Almighty God, in His providence. We all know these powerful words of God “Be Still and Know that I Am God.”
What are the qualities we could find in little children? First and foremost, they are all created in the image and likeness of God, like you and I.
Unassuming! Being open and ready to be taught.
Walk in God’s presence. Hence, no preconceived opinions about something or people. No prejudice or bias towards a subject.
Be humble. No discrimination against anybody based on race, tribe, religion, social status, etc.
Have a genuine spirit of forgiveness. Walk with Jesus in the freedom of forgiveness. Though sometimes our road in life is steep and slippery, we are to trust in Him.
Trust and do not worry about tomorrow. God is our strength. We may feel wobbly as we look at difficult times looming head. We measure them against our own strengths. However, they are not today’s tasks or even tomorrow’s. Like, little children, we are to live in the present and leave the future to God. God will find us in the present. He is our strength.
Let’s treat these children of God with respect, care, and love.
May our physicians and those in the health care industry help to save lives and not take away life. Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian, pray for us.
Have a wonderful week
