9.26.24 Homily

In the reading from Luke, we see King Herod confused about who Jesus is, reflecting on his past actions against John the Baptist. As we explore the book of Ecclesiastes, we encounter themes of pessimism and the search for purpose in life without God. Ecclesiastes expresses the struggles of a life that seems meaningless when disconnected from faith. However, through this pessimism, we can find a deeper longing for meaning and the hope that faith in God brings. While Ecclesiastes may present a bleak outlook, it ultimately points us toward the fulfillment and significance found in a relationship with God. Everything has value and can be integrated into our faith, countering the idea that all is vanity. Contextually, the church acknowledges this book’s importance for understanding humanity’s need for divine connection and the true meaning of life.

Life can often feel like a cycle of repetition with no real progress or meaning. Generations come and go, yet everything remains the same, leading to a sense of despair. This perspective truly reflects a world without God, where existence feels futile. However, through Jesus, there is hope for renewal and purpose. He brings a message of making all things new, implying that our lives do matter and can hold significant meaning when we connect with Him. St. Paul reinforces this point by emphasizing the importance of Christ's resurrection. If there is no resurrection, then faith is meaningless, but through it, believers find purpose and hope beyond this repetitive world. Eventually, it’s about acknowledging the deep longing for meaning in life, which can only be fulfilled through a relationship with God. Encountering God transforms our understanding of existence from emptiness to profound significance.

Life without purpose can feel empty, as seen in the lives of those like King Herod Antipas, who had power but ultimately remained profoundly unhappy. The resurrection of Christ provides true direction and hope, showing that redemption gives our lives significant meaning. Even wealth and fame cannot fill the void of lost purpose. Herod, despite his earthly pleasures, was tormented by his actions and curious about Jesus, highlighting the emptiness of a life focused on vain pursuits. While Easter celebrates redemption and the joy of living for something greater, many who chase worldly desires, like wealth and status, find themselves struggling with deeper issues, as reflected in rising suicide rates among the rich and famous. Ultimately, real fulfillment comes from a life redeemed by Christ, offering hope and purpose even amidst a troubled world.

In a world where many doctors were dishonest and only focused on making money, Cosmos and Damian stood out as truly compassionate healers. By choosing not to charge for their services, they gained the trust of their patients, demonstrating that genuine care and selflessness can lead to real healing. Their dedication to medicine was driven not by profit but by a desire to help others, showcasing the importance of aligning one's life with meaningful values. Their example reflects the essence of the beatitudes that focus on the true meaning of life, prioritizing spiritual over material wealth, and showing that serving others with love and integrity leads to a deeper purpose. As a result, they exemplify how faith and selflessness can positively impact the lives of countless individuals, reminding us that life is valuable when we choose to serve beyond personal gain.

Cosmas and Damian were not just doctors; they were also healers of souls, using their everyday profession to share the message of Christ. They showed that evangelizing doesn’t always mean preaching in public. Instead, our daily work can connect us to God and lead others to Him. Just like a liturgical cycle in faith, repeated experiences help us deepen our relationship with Jesus over time. Each time we engage in these rituals or remember revered figures like Cosmas and Damian, we move closer to encountering the risen Jesus. The Catholic tradition of connecting work and faith reminds us that life is meaningful when we reflect on everything through the lens of our spirituality. Through the conduct of our lives, we can help others find purpose and renewal in faith, ultimately aiming to bring everyone closer to Christ.

We come together in faith to celebrate the Mass, where God promises us new life through the sharing of his flesh and blood. This sacred act is not in vain; it connects us with the past and future, reminding us of our importance in God's plan. Just as Cosmos and Damian are remembered for their goodness, we too will be remembered, as we embrace eternal life. This truth brings depth to our understanding of life, showing that our actions matter. In participating in this holy communion, we prepare to experience the joy and fulfillment of life in paradise with God and all the saints, reaffirming that everything we do holds significance and meaning.