The Memorial of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian

1 Cor. 12:31-13:13, Lk 7:31-35. We are “members of God’s household,” says Paul. If the Church is an extended family it should not be rigidly ruled, for its members are all siblings in spirit with our personal gifts. In today's first reading, Paul mentions many of these talents: prophecy, knowledge, faith that can move mountains and generosity to the poor. Unfortunately, rivalry and pride and the desire for dominance can easily split such a gifted Church into sects. Though not wanting any true gift or charism to be suppressed, Paul considers some of the troublemakers to be noisy gongs or clanging cymbals. They create divisions through arrogant self-seeking, whereas being the body of Christ, the Church should be united and loving. Ultimately there are three qualities that are vital for the life of a Christian: faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love.

True leaders should not be proud but be people who serve with love. In today's Gospel, Jesus noticed how some children refused to join in other children’s games and compared their lifestyle to how many adults refused to believe in Him. If the children’s funeral games were reminder of the death of John the Baptist, their dancing games reflected the joy of His message. Jesus was like the children who played the pipes and invited others to dance to their tune. Jesus is a 'piper' who leads us in the 'dance of life'. The music of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is not a doleful dirge but a joyful music about God’s grace and favour towards all who are open to receive it. He invites us to dance to the rhythm of the Spirit. As His followers, we carry a song of hope in our hearts. Today we are challenged to let the music of God echo in our lives like it did in the lives of Cornelius and Cyprian whose memorial celebrate. Cornelius and Cyprian were holy servants of God who dedicated their lives to the service of God and for the love of Him and their fellow brethren. They were martyrs who died under great persecution, firm in their faith and unwilling to abandon the Lord whom they had served so faithfully.

We pray for cheerful and generous heart, that we may bring joy to our homes, work and all we meet! Amen!! Be safe and have a wonderful day!!!