Singing the Best Song for God!

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr

2 Mc 7:1,20-31; Lk 19:11-28

Our Mother Church celebrates the feast of St. Cecilia, the patroness of musicians. 

She is one of seven women, excluding the Blessed Virgin, commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass. 

She was a noble lady of Rome who died as a martyr for God in about 230 AD, under the emperor Alexander Severus.

St. Cecilia is not just known for her purity but also for her ability to be an inspiration to others. 

At first, St. Cecilia converted her husband, Valerian, who was a pagan, before their wedding. She could also inspire Tibertius, the brother of Valerian, to be baptized. Thus, her life was spent winning souls for God. 

Secondly, St. Cecilia is a patroness of musicians. The legend has it that as the musicians played at her wedding, she ‘sang in her heart to the Lord.’ However, that is not all. St. Cecilia wanted to sing the best song for God in her life. Her dream came true when she was martyred for her faith. 

Thirdly, by burying the dead Christians against the law of her times, St. Cecilia, as a woman, pioneered one of the seven corporal works of mercy. Through her witness and strength of faith, she drew more people to Christ. 

Just as we read in the parable of talents, St. Cecilia, as a faithful servant, multiplied her talents to serve God’s Church generously. 

This is how St. Cecilia sang the best song for God. What is my best song for God? 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar