Memorial of Saint Cecilia, virgin and martyr
(II Maccabees 7:1.20-31; Luke 19:11-28)
St. Cecilia enjoys great notoriety, but little understanding.
Being the patron of music, liturgists sing her praises. However, it is not certain when she died or
even lived. Because she is known as a
virgin-martyr, we can find traces of her in today’s first reading.
Like the son in the account from II Maccabees, she gave up
her life rather than her faith. Like the
mother, she exemplified what the Scripture call innocently “manly courage.” In
other words, she did not waver in her trust in the Lord.
Virginity is more ridiculed than admired in today’s secularized
culture. Where intentional virgins were
once esteemed for dedicating themselves to the Lord, now they are suspected of abnormality. Virginity, however, when sustained for love
of the Lord is a kind of martyrdom. The virgin
disciple gives testimony that the Lord is the foremost good in life. Having an all-embracing, spiritual relationship
with him is valued more than pleasure, intimate physical support, and one’s own
children.
