On Ss. Cosmas and Damian, Holy Twin Physicians
Today is the feast of Ss. Cosmas and Damian, twin brothers and physicians from Arabia who were martyred during the persecution of Diocletian. A number of readings have recently presented themselves which make for good reflection in light of these saints' chosen profession. First, from Divine Intimacy , part of the meditation on the beatitude, "Blessed are the merciful". What is medicine if not a work of mercy? "I have inhaled the fragrance of Your mercy and I come to You to be strengthened by it. Blessed is the man who, following Your example, has a heart filled with compassion for the unfortunate. Blessed is he who is merciful and quick to help those who are in need, he who remembers that it is more blessed to give than to receive, who is quick to forgive and slow to anger, who never takes revenge, but in all circumstances considers the needs of others as though they were his own. O Lord, pour into my soul the dew of Your mercy, fill my heart with cha