Around the year 250, there was a very intentional attempt on
the part of the Roman Empire to root out Christians. The vehemently anti-Christian
emperor Decius mandated that all citizens had to prove their loyalty to the
empire by offering incense to the Roman Gods. The emperor was well aware that
Christians could not commit this act because for us it was both an act of
idolatry—worshipping a false God—and apostasy—publicly denying our belief in
Jesus Christ.
Some Christians tried to skirt around the mandate by bribing
authorities to obtain a document which stated that they offered the pagan sacrifice
without actually having to offer it. But that document still marked them as
apostates.
There were several notable martyrs of this persecution,
including the Pope, Pope Fabian. Others went into hiding to avoid both
martyrdom and having to commit this act.
A new Pope was elected, Pope Cornelius, whom we honor today.
And Pope Cornelius had a challenging question to answer: can those Christian
who committed apostasy be returned to Holy Communion? After all, they denied
Christ publicly, they publicly separated themselves from the Church.
So, in the year 251, Pope Cornelius called a synod in Rome
to discuss this matter. After hearing from his bishops and theologians, he declared
that, yes, the apostates could be restored to communion, as long as they
underwent what he called “the usual medicines of repentance”. He affirmed that through penance and firm
purpose of amendment, a sinner could be readmitted to Communion again.
Pope Cornelius was supported in this pronouncement by many
bishops, but especially St. Cyprian, whom we also honor today, the most important
bishop in North Africa, and one of the most important theologians and writers
of the time.
All these centuries later, we still have a letter St. Cyprian
wrote to Pope Cornelius describing how they would likely undergo their own
struggles, and prayed that they would keep the faith through them. And he was
right, two years later, Pope Cornelius was martyred when Decius’ successor, the
emperor Trebonianus Gallus fired upon the persecutions again. Eventually, the
persecutions reached Carthage in North Africa, and Cyprian was martyred under
the Emperor Valerian in 258.
I love this story because it is such a vivid picture of the
Church trying to be faithful amidst the hostility of the world both to the
seriousness of the Gospel and to the mercy of Christ—the Church at her best:
uncompromising about the truth, but never despairing of the sinner.
We are all to seek to be faithful to God as we possibly can,
knowing that our witness is powerful. And yet, we are also to repent and seek
God’s mercy when we fail, knowing that God is full of love, kindness, and mercy
for the sinner.
Through the intercession of the saints, may we be serious
about avoiding sin, and serious about repentance, courageous in witnessing to the Gospel and humble in seeking mercy, for the glory of God and the
salvation of souls.
- - - - -
That the Pope and all the clergy may be effective instruments
of mercy, and for the grace and strength to seek out the lost, last, and least.
That through the intercession of the martyrs Cornelius and
Cyprian, lapsed Catholics will be moved to return to the Sacraments.
For an end to government corruption and politically
motivated violence, and all forms of greed which breed hatred and war.
For all the
needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and
hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, victims of natural disaster, war,
and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who
will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.
For the
repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the poor souls in
purgatory, for the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for
the deceased priests, deacons and religious of the diocese of Cleveland, and
for those who have fought and died for our freedom.
Incline your merciful ear to our
prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those
who call on you. Through Christ our Lord.
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