St. Cecilia is the patroness of musicians, poets, and singers. Some of you may have heard of, or even visited, St. Cecilia church in Boston. It is truly beautiful, located near the Berkeley School of Music and, not surprisingly, blessed with incredible musicians and singers.
St. Cecilia’s name is derived from Latin and means “lily of heaven.” Legend tells us of her dedicating her life to virginity to Christ despite her father’s plan for her to marry a young pagan man. St. Cecilia’s story is one that can inspire us to allow God’s will to be done on earth no matter what challenges we face.
The Book of Maccabees also contains a heroic role model in the faith: the mother of the seven sons. In this account, we not only learn of the depravity of the king, but, more importantly, the source of the inner strength of this mother and her sons. It was this: since God is our Creator and the Creator of all that we see, He will restore our lives, even if they are lost, “for the sake of his law.”
This is a lesson for all parents and grandparents in how much your faith matters for the future of your children and grandchildren. Even when the youngest son is promised wealth, power, and riches by the king, the example and words of his mother give him the courage to say yes to God and no to the king’s tempting offer.
In every corner of our world, there are people of all ages facing decisions about who and what they put their faith in. At times, it can become disheartening to see family and friends drift away from joining us for Sunday Mass, as well as participation in the Sacraments and other parish spiritual and social activities. However, we see in this reading what faith in God can do … against all odds.
Tomorrow in the U.S., we will celebrate Thanksgiving Day. It’s a time for family and friends to come together and count our blessings, to share food and fun, and, for some, to watch American football. It can also be the occasion to tell the stories of our ancestors, people who were faithful to God: men and women, even the young, who overcame their trials, fears, and setbacks to follow Jesus.
We need to be encouraged by women like St. Cecilia and the mother of the seven sons, and by men like those seven who were willing to give their lives for God. Most of us, thankfully, will not be forced to choose between life or death here on earth, but our decisions throughout our lives will determine the type of eternal life we live.
May we always choose God and help our families and our friends to do the same, so that one day our Thanksgiving will be spent together in Heaven for all time!
Reverend David S. Marcham is the Vice Postulator for the Cause of Venerable Patrick Peyton, and Director of the Father Peyton Guild, whose members pray for Father Peyton’s beatification and spread his message of the importance of Family Prayer. Prior to becoming a seminarian, Father David was a physical therapist and clinical instructor, serving hospital inpatients and outpatients throughout the greater Boston area for eleven years. In 1998 he heard the call to priesthood and was ordained in the Archdiocese of Boston in 2005. Father David grew up in Quincy, MA, and has fond memories of playing soccer, tennis and running track. You’re never without a friend when Father David is around, as he welcomes everyone into his circle with a smile on his face!
