Homily – Tuesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs
Readings: 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Psalm 101:1b-2ab, 2cd-3ab, 5, 6; Luke 7:11-17



Introduction

There’s a story told of a little boy who, when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, replied: “I want to be important enough that when I die, people cry—but not so important that people cheer!”
It’s a child’s way of saying that a life worth living is not about power or fame but about relationships, love, and service. Today’s readings and the witness of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian challenge us to measure life not by success but by faithfulness and compassion.

The Word of God

  • 1 Timothy 3:1-13
    Paul outlines the qualities of bishops and deacons: integrity, self-control, faithfulness in marriage, good reputation, and strong faith. Leadership in the Church is not about prestige but humble service, built on character and example.

  • Psalm 101
    This psalm is a prayer of commitment to walk with integrity, rejecting what is crooked and standing firm in righteousness. It echoes the values Paul described in the first reading.

  • Luke 7:11-17
    The moving scene at Nain: Jesus raises the son of a widow. This miracle reveals His compassion—the God who notices the tears of the forgotten and restores life. It foreshadows His own victory over death and our hope in the resurrection.

Connection of the Readings

Together, the readings highlight two key Christian truths:

  1. Leadership and discipleship must flow from integrity and compassion.

  2. Jesus’ mission is to bring life where death reigns.

Saints Cornelius and Cyprian embody this: in a time of division and persecution, they chose fidelity, reconciliation, and courage—even unto death.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do I seek integrity and consistency between my words, my faith, and my actions?

  2. How compassionate am I toward the suffering, the grieving, and the forgotten in my community?

  3. Am I willing to defend the truth of Christ, even when it is unpopular or risky?

Implications for Daily Living (Jubilee & Synod)

  • In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are invited to renew our integrity as Christians—living transparently before God and others.

  • The Synod on Synodality calls us to walk together as a Church, not with power games, but with humility and service.

  • Like Cornelius and Cyprian, we are called to unity, reconciliation, and courage in the face of division and hostility.

Inspiration / Motivation

The widow of Nain reminds us that no suffering is hidden from Jesus. When life feels like it’s at its darkest, Christ draws near, touches our brokenness, and whispers: “Do not weep.”

Quote

St. Cyprian once said:
“It is not a time for boasting but for praying, not for arrogance but for humility.”

Final Thoughts

Integrity in life, compassion in service, and hope in Christ—these are the pillars that sustain us. Saints Cornelius and Cyprian teach us that Christian leadership and discipleship are not about titles but about love that endures, even in persecution.

Concluding Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life.
Grant me integrity of heart and compassion in service.
Teach me to walk humbly, to weep with those who weep,
and to stand firm in faith like Saints Cornelius and Cyprian.
In You alone is my hope, my strength, and my joy. Amen.


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