Greetings on this the Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs
Readings: 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13; Psalm 33:2-3, 4-5, 12 and 22; Luke 7:31-35
Summary
We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep. But wisdom is vindicated by all her children (Lk 7:33b, 35).
Restorative Hospital
The Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, an institution of the Holy See , is the largest pediatric hospital and research center in Europe. Connected to major international centers in the field, it is a point of reference for the health of children and adolescents from throughout Italy and abroad.
Hospice for the Poor and Dying
We are misunderstood, we are misrepresented, we are misreported. We are not nurses, we are not doctors, we are not teachers, we are not social workers. We are religious, we are religious, we are religious. — Mother Teresa
Reflection
But I shall show you a still more excellent way. So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Cor 12:31; 13:13).
I noted above two different but complementary modes of aid and populations being addressed in their needs. Children and poor in need of medical care. The poor and dying in need of hospice care. A dance and a dirge.
To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? (Lk 7:31).
The general observation here is learning to recognize when we are being called to help—and when we are merely finding reasons to criticize the form that help takes. Actions flowing from faith, hope and love are on the strongest foundations.
Even Reconciliation Needed Adjustment – once reframed by love
Saint Cornelius held a synod at Rome in 251 and ordered the “relapsed” to be restored to the Church with the usual “medicines of repentance.” (Source: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-cornelius/)
Personal Reflection
Wisdom is vindicated — in the lives and actions that flow from her.
How many modes and ways the Lord helps us find a pathway to being generous and helpful!
But if we find ourselves rejecting all of them, the problem is in the one who refuses every mode of hospitality, healing and assistance. “You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them. That’s how prayer works” – Pope Francis.
Instead of criticism, a new framework is needed:
Not: Will I love?
But: What does love require here?
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091626.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry