This morning we celebrate the Memorial of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, twin brothers who were Christian martyrs during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. The two were physicians who would offer their medical services to the poor and the rich alike. Because of their faith, they believed it was a duty to give back to others in a unique way, utilizing the gift of their medical knowledge to help those in need. Often times, they would refuse payment for their services, gaining them the title of the Silverless Ones.

Their counter-cultural practice caught the attention of their fellow citizens and ended up bringing many people to the faith. Some of the stories that have been told about them show us that they were excellent physicians who healed many, perhaps more through their prayers than by their science. One legend states that they were the first to do a transplant of a leg on one of their patients, which is often depicted in religious art featuring them.

The story of their deaths is quite a remarkable one, and one that really drives home the point of our readings this morning. A fellow physician turned them into the Roman authorities for being Christians and the two, along with three of their five brothers were arrested. When they refused to renounce their faith in Jesus, they were subjected to torture. But I want you to hear this story. This story has been handed down through the generations about Cosmas and Damian.

“The judge ordered them to be thrown into a large fire, but the flames leaped away from them and killed many. They were then ordered to be placed on a torture device…but an angel of the Lord protected them…The judge ordered the three brothers to be imprisoned and had Cosmo and Damian crucified and stoned by the people, but the stones flew back at those who threw them, injuring many. Then the judge, filled with madness, made the three brothers stand by the cross and commanded four knights to shoot arrows at Cosmo and Damian. However, the arrows turned back…When the judge saw this, he was utterly baffled, tormented to the point of death, and ordered all five brothers to be beheaded together.” (Excerpt from Golden Legend, Jacobus de Voragine)

“The souls of the just are in the hand of God and no torment shall touch them” (Wisdom 3:1). “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Mt 10:28). “Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father” (Mt 10:31).

Cosmas and Damian, along with their three brothers, knew that the Lord was with them in these moments of persecution and torture, which is how they were able to endure what was happening to them. They understood the bigger picture. They knew that as long as they remained faithful to God, God would remain faithful to them in their greatest moment of need. May their prayers be with us today, that we may have the same courage and fidelity to Christ when our faith is tested.

Painting: Miracle of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, Kreis Ludwigsburg, early 16th Century, Exhibit in the Landesmuseum Württemberg – Stuttgart, Germany. Used under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Wikimedia Commons.