The Feast of St Cornelius and St Cyprian.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated,  it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,  it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.  It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 7).

Wednesday 16th September 2020, 24th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Cornelius. Pope. Martyred under Emperor Gallus in 253. We also honor today St Cyprian. Bishop and Martyr. Cyprian from Carthage (Tunisia) was martyred in 258 under Emperor Valerian.

The two saints we honor today were acquainted with one another. They lived under one of the most severe persecution of the Church. Tens of thousands were martyred by Rome determined to stamp out once and for all Christianity. Many Christians did not have the courage to face martyrdom. So they denied Jesus and the faith. Then the violent persecution abated. Those Christians who denied Jesus and the faith wanted to come back to the Church. The controversy nearly split the Church asunder. Pope Cornelius wanted the Christians who apostasized to confess their sins and do appropriate penance and be allowed to rejoin the Church. Many Bishops opposed him. St Cyprian from the powerful African Church came to his support. Their side won and schism was prevented. The Lord was impressed by their good work and awarded the two the crown of martyrdom.

Our key Scripture for today is from the famous theme of love. Since Love is the center and heart of the Christian faith, 1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 7 is one of the best Scripture for the examination of conscience before Confession. It covers almost every sin. For an extended List for a good examination of conscience, click the link below:

http://seekfirstcommunity.com/2020/09/a-good-examination-of-conscience.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com