The Gospel works. 

Perhaps you’ve never heard it put that way, but it’s the truth. So often we approach the Gospel from a historical, academic, or philosophical perspective. But in an amazingly practical way, the Gospel is the answer to all the deeply personal questions of life and the light that shows us the next step to take in our journey. It helps everyone who embraces it to increasingly become more perfectly themselves. It fosters phenomenal relationships and encourages vibrant community.

There is simply no better way to live than the life Jesus proposes to us in the Gospel. Saints Cosmas and Damian lived the Gospel life—and died for it.

Cosmas and Damian were physicians in Arabia during the rule of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who persecuted and executed Christians. Despite the danger, these twins regularly preached to their pagan patients about the goodness of Jesus Christ. They also imitated Jesus’ generosity by cheerfully serving their community’s medical needs, often without charging a cent. 

News of the preaching physicians spread and they were arrested for their faith. They chose to die rather than abandon the Gospel life. In the aftermath of their martyrdom, devotions, churches, and prayers for healing in their names spread like wildfire. We still cite their names at Mass as emblems of the Gospel life.

What about you and me? Some days we are woefully inadequate in our attempts to live the Gospel. Sometimes this is because we are sinful and selfish and weak and broken. Other times it is because we are proud, stubborn, resistant, arrogant, and attached to our own ways. We don’t always live up to the life-giving invitation God extends to us in the Gospel. But we will always be happier when we try to. There is simply no better way to live than a Gospel life. 

Do you know of a better way to live? The Gospel is pure genius. It is the ultimate worldview, the most complete spiritual manual, and the best way to live. 

Isn’t it time you gave yourself over wholeheartedly to the pursuit of a Gospel life? 



Feast Day: September 26

Feast Day Shared By: Saint Nilus and Saint Senato

Patron Saint of: Surgeons, Physicians, Twins, Dentists, Protectors Of Children, Barbers, Pharmacists, Veterinarians, and Orphanages

Also Known As: Anargyroi (The Silverless)

Symbols: With Medical Emblems