While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
REFLECTION
Pay attention to what I am telling you
Can people see our faith by the way we treat them? Good works do not replace faith. Rather, good works reveal that faith is alive. A living faith begins to love, serve, forgive, sacrifice, and care for others.
The twin physicians, Sts Damian and Cosmas were known as the "penniless physicians" as they tended to the sick and the poor and did not charge them. Cosmas and Damian eventually gave the greatest witness of all. During the persecutions of Christians, they refused to deny Christ and were martyred for their faith. The charity they had practiced throughout their lives prepared them for that final act of faith and trust.
Just as the disciples could not comprehend why Jesus had to suffer and be handed over, human beings often struggle to comprehend physical illness, pain, and mortal suffering. The physicians surrendered their lives in martyrdom without expecting a miraculous escape from death. We are challenged to look past earthly deeds and confusion and accept the mystery of the Cross.
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