May you be magnified, O Lord, by the revered memory of
your Saints Cosmas and Damian, for with providence beyond words you have
conferred on them everlasting glory, and on us, your unfailing help.Today, the
Holy Church celebrates the liturgical Memorial of Saints Cosmas and Damian.
They were twins who were known to be doctors and/or pharmacists in the Roman
province of Syria but born in what is known as Turkey. According to their biographers, the saints accepted no
payment for their medical services; they were given the title of "Unmercenary" for loving God and man. The gospel line comes to mind: freely you have received, freely give. The brothers paid very close attention to the gospel as
it was a light for their feet.
The work of evangelization that they engaged in was the one of witness in the workplace, the kind word, and living by good example by which they taught the faith. Cosmas and Damian were martyred during the persecutions of Diocletian (c. 287). They attracted may to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
You will undoubtedly make the connection with the Roman Canon of the Mass when they are commemorated with other early martyrs of the Church.
May Saints Cosmas and Damian intercede for those whose work regards healthcare before the Throne of Grace. May they obtain for us the unfailing awareness of the sanctity of life at all stages, from conception to natural death. Through their inspiration, may all in the healthcare professions come to a greater awareness that they are co-healers of both body and soul with Christ the Divine Physician.
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