The Holy Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers Cosmas and Damian
Romans 11:25-36; Matthew 12:1-8
Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
Read Romans 11:25-36
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Today we remember Sts. Cosmas and Damian. They were 3rd century unmercenary physicians (that is, they practiced as doctors without charging for their services out of their love for Christ) who were martyred outside of Rome. During their earthly lives they freely offered their services to bring healing to others following Christ’s command to the twelve apostles: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely have you received, freely give” (Mt. 10:8).
The reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans explains that the true Israel is comprised of both Jews and Gentiles alike. Although both Jews and Gentiles had been disobedient to God, God generously pours forth His mercy upon all and draws all to Himself. The true Israel, the Church, is grounded in faithfulness to Christ.
As God gives to us generously and without discrimination, we should follow the example of Sts. Cosmas and Damian who likewise gave abundantly of themselves out of their love for God. They not only used their skills and talents to heal others but also witnessed to their love for God by dying martyrs’ deaths for Him. Too often we give sparingly of ourselves, trying to calculate what we can only comfortably give. Sometimes when we show love for God or others, it is not going to be comfortable. Sometimes we are stretched and challenged. Sometimes we may be asked to even give our very lives as Christ did out of love for us. We should not give beyond our means, but we should give generously out of our love for God, just as God has been good and generous to us.