(d.c.303) Cosmas and Damian were twin Arab physicians and accepted no payments for services. They were tortured and beheaded under the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian.
Eucharistic Prayer I, the Roman Canon, is the oldest of four options for the Eucharistic Prayer in the Roman Rite. We venerate and ask the intercession of Cosmas and Damian, among several others, in this prayer. In the first part of this prayer, before the consecration, the Holy Family and 24 saints are mentioned. The 24 include the 12 apostles and 12 martyrs (five popes, one bishop, one deacon, and five members of the laity). 24 is representative of the elders around the throne of God in Revelation 4 and 5, interceding on behalf of all God’s people (Revelation 5:8). Do we bring our recovery as an offering at Mass? Do we invite these saints to intercede for us?
“The twenty-four elders fall down before the one who sits on the throne and worship him, who lives forever and ever. They throw down their crowns before the throne, exclaiming: ‘Worthy are you, Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power’” (Revelation 4:10-11).
Reflection by Brad Farmer