The Hymn to Love: The Crown of the Martyrs

1Cor 12:31—13:13, Psalm: 32, Lk 7:31-35

Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs

My dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

On this Memorial of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, two great bishops and martyrs who gave their lives for the unity of the Church, the Word of God presents us with the most beautiful text ever written: Saint Paul’s hymn to love. These saints understood that the love of which Paul speaks—patient, kind, not envious or boastful—is the very life of the Church and the path to eternal life.

In the First Letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes, “Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts. But I shall show you a still more excellent way.” He then sings the song of love: “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.” This is the love that Saint Paul says is greater than faith and hope. It is the love that never fails. Prophecies will cease, tongues will be stilled, knowledge will pass away, but love will endure forever.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus speaks of the generation that rejects both John the Baptist and Himself. John came not eating or drinking, and they said he was possessed. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they said He was a glutton and a drunkard. They could not be pleased. They rejected both asceticism and celebration. They did not recognize the wisdom of God. Yet Jesus concludes, “Wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

Saints Cornelius and Cyprian lived this wisdom. They were men of love. Cornelius, a Roman priest, became Pope during a time of persecution and division. He sought to heal the wounds of the Church, to bring back the lapsed, and to preserve the unity of the Body of Christ. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, was his ally in this effort. He wrote extensively about the necessity of love and unity. He declared, “He who does not have the Church as his mother does not have God as his Father.” Both ultimately gave their lives as martyrs, sealing their witness with blood.

Pope Benedict XVI, reflecting on these saints, said, “They show us that the Church is built on love and unity.” Pope Francis has said, “The love of which Paul speaks is not a sentiment; it is a decision to will the good of the other.” And Saint Augustine, commenting on the hymn to love, wrote, “When love is present, all the gifts are good. When love is absent, even the gifts are worthless.”

What does this mean for us? We are called to strive for the spiritual gifts, but especially for love. We are called to be patient, kind, and humble. We are called to forgive, to seek the truth, and to endure all things. We are called to be like Cornelius and Cyprian—men who loved the Church, defended the truth, and gave their lives for the flock.

Today, let us examine our hearts. Are we patient? Are we kind? Do we seek our own interests, or do we seek the good of others? Let us ask the Lord to pour His love into our hearts, to make us witnesses of love in a world that is hungry for it. For love never fails. And love alone endures forever. Amen.

May God bless you all!