September 16--St. Cornelius, Pope and Martyr

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What would happen today if someone threatened to kill or harm us if we were Christian? There are modern martyrs in the Church. But what if we denied our faith? In the third century, when St. Cornelius was pope, persecution was an off and on problem for the Church. It happened sporadically, but intensely. When the persecution subsided, those Christians who had denied their faith to avoid martyrdom wanted to be readmitted to the Church. The question facing St. Cornelius was whether, and how, to readmit lapsed Christians.

One option was to deny the lapsed Christians any forgiveness and readmission to the Church. This was supported at various times and by various Church leaders leading to schisms and heresies. The other option was to use the Sacrament of Penance as a means of readmitting the sinners back into the Church. Pope St. Cornelius advocated this approach. Pope St. Cornelius was opposed by Novatian, who became an anti-pope. Novatian was condemned, but his schism spread to other places in the empire. The Synod of Rome in 251 affirmed the pope’s decision and the lapsed Christians were welcomed back according to the “medicines of repentance.” Pope St. Cornelius died a martyr during exile by the emperor in A.D. 253.

The Church teaches us in the Catechism: “Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father's mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful….” Let us use the “medicines of repentance” to bring us closer to God!

*https://wellcomecollection.org/works/fa53bzw9

April 25--St. Mark, Evangelist

Even though Mark's Gospel is second in Scripture, it was actually the first one written.  It is also the shortest Gospel and the one that is jam-packed with excitement and miracles.  Mark wrote for the Christians in Rome who were being persecuted about the time of Peter and Paul's martyrdom, so the emphasis in Mark's Gospel is one of Jesus suffering.

What we know about Mark comes to us mainly from Scripture.  He went on the first missionary journey with Paul and Barnabas, but had a falling out with Paul because Paul did not accept him on the second journey.  However, they did reconcile.  We also know that Mark's family was important in the early Church.  When Peter miraculously escaped from prison he went to the home of Mark's mother.  Some speculate that he was the young boy who escaped when Jesus was arrested.  According to legend he became the companion of Peter, from whom he received the Gospel.  He also became the bishop of Alexandria.  His relics were eventually taken to Venice and interred within the Basilica of St. Mark.

St. Mark shares with us the message of Jesus:  “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel" (Mk. 1:15).  We are called to constant repentance, to turn our lives over every day to God and believe in the message of God's love for us.  Every day is a new opportunity to bring about the kingdom of God by being a true disciple of Jesus:  We hear the Word of God; we accept the Word of God; we spread the Word of God.  Go forth and share God's love with all you meet.  Mark did through his Gospel.