Today we hear the last of the readings from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Lectionary for Daily Mass. As it opened with words that were cynical and somewhat depressing, so it closes in much the same way. If one likes to spend time in the presence of a cheerful person, Qoheleth is definitely not your man.
Life is full of contrasts. One minute we are content. The next we are not. During one phase of life, we enjoy good health, but eventually all of us begin to undergo various illnesses. We experience the highs of wonderful events such as our profession day, success in our job only to come to days of the lows of life as our relatives pass away or our days become filled with loneliness.
The Gospel, a short passage today, reflects these contrasts as well. Jesus has just healed a man’s son, and all were amazed at his every deed. Yet it is precisely at this moment, when all are amazed, that Jesus tells his disciples that he will be handed over to men who will put him to death. They did not understand, and they were afraid to ask for an explanation.
Life is not a continuous high nor is it simply the low. They are both part of our experience. We don’t have one without the other. In both we can trust the Lord who has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.
Today we celebrate the third century physicians known as Cosmas and Damian. It is this Damian or Damiano (in Italian) whose name figures prominently in the story of St. Francis of Assisi. Cosmas and Damian were brothers who were committed to serving the needs of the poor in what is present day Syria. They were nicknamed “the Silverless” because they refused to accept payment for the care they provided. Their generosity attracted many people to Christianity, something that I am sure provided them with a high moment in their lives. However, when the Roman emperor heard of their charitable works, they were arrested and charged with being Christians. When they refused to renounce their faith, they and their three younger brothers were all put to death.
Their example helps us to remember that each life has its highs and its lows. However, Jesus has made it possible for us to experience the eternal “high” of life with God in the next life.
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator