Homily: September 26 - Sts. Cosmas and Damian - Patrons of Physicians and Surgeons

Every time we use the First Eucharistic prayer, we hear the names of Cosmas and Damien.  But who were they?

Cosmas and Damien were twin brothers born at the end of the third century in Syria.  They were physicians and were known as “the moneyless ones”, because they didn’t charge their patients.  They were actually the first surgeons to successfully perform a limb transplant, and this was in the early fourth century.

They together with St. Luke are patron saints of physicians, surgeons, dentists, and pharmacists, so any time we are undergoing surgery or visiting the dentists, we should pray for their heavenly intercession.

Christians who openly professed their faith, in the early fourth century during the persecution of Diocletian, did so at great risk.  For openly practicing their faith, for living and seeking to  pass on the Gospel of Christ, Cosmas and Damien were arrested, tortured and beheaded.

Cosmas and Damien are examples for us of what Christianity is all about.  Sacrificing ourselves for others.  Living generously for others, pouring ourselves out in service, the way Jesus did, witnessing to the love of God, and the truth of the Holy Gospel, even with our lives.

They sacrificed wealth in order to serve the sick free of charge, and they sacrificed their very lives when they were martyred for the faith.

That may sound impossible or unrealistic in today’s world.  But God calls ordinary people to extraordinary things.  We can pray that we, in this day and age, may grow in our ability to be generous with our time, talent, and treasure.

Twice in the first reading, the Prophet Haggai said, “Consider your ways!”  We eat, we drink, we work, but how much of that is to serve our own interests, rather than serving God?  Like the saints, we can only find authentic joy and happiness and fulfillment in this world, when we live for God first, others second, and only thirdly ourselves. 

Through the heavenly intercession of Saints Cosmas and Damien, who imitated our Lord the Divine physicians, may we receiving healing, salvation, and peace, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.