Memorial of Saint
Cornelius, pope and martyr, and St. Cyprian, bishop and martyr
(I Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 7:1-10)
Saints Cornelius and Cyprian lived in an age of
martyrdom. Both also faced challenges to
their offices as they traced middle ground in a controversy over apostasy. Cornelius was pope; the latter, the bishop of
Carthage in the middle of the third century.
An upstart priest named Novatus assumed Cyprian’s office during a
persecution which sent Cyprian into exile.
Novatus accepted back into the Church lapsed Catholics without any significant
penance. They had given up the faith
rather than be martyred. Cornelius supported Cyprian’s stand against easy
return.
In Rome Cornelius was challenged by a priest named
Novatian on the other side of the return issue.
Novatian taught that no one who apostatized could be readmitted to the
Church. He also declared himself pope. A synod of bishops eventually condemned and
excommunicated him. Both Cornelius and
Cyprian were martyred not long after their status controversies were settled.
The first reading today recommends that we should pray
for everyone. We want all to be saved
although we realize that salvation is beyond human capacity. It requires that we take up our cross to
follow Jesus. This means doing what only
what God can do; hence, the need for prayer.
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