Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs
Tuesday of week 24 in Ordinary Time
First reading 1 Timothy 3:1-13
Saint Paul outlines the qualities expected of leaders in the Church: integrity, moderation, fidelity, self-control, hospitality, and a good reputation both within and outside the community. Leadership in the Gospel is not about power or prestige but about witness. To live in such a way that the Gospel is made visible in daily life. Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, whose memory we celebrate today, embody these qualities not in comfort but in suffering. They led the Church with courage and fidelity during times of persecution, showing that true authority is rooted in service and sacrifice. Their example reminds us that every Christian, in their own capacity, is called to lead through witness, whether in family, community, or Church. What matters most is not eloquence or position, but the quality of life shaped by the Gospel: a life where love, humility, and perseverance speak louder than words. Let’s reflect: Does the quality of my daily life marked by integrity, humility, and service, bear witness to the Gospel in such a way that others can see Christ alive in me, even without words?
Don Giorgio