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Sunday of All Saints - June 22, 2003
[ Click here for the Bible readings:  Heb 11:36-12:2; Mt 10:32-38; Mt 19:27-30]

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A PROVIDER OF MEDICINE FOR BOTH BODY AND SOUL

A physician who treats his patients with compassion is truly a special person. We should never underestimate the correlation between our doctor's genuine concern for our condition and our recovery.

St. Sampson the Hospitable, who as a prominent physician in the 6th century, gained a wonderful reputation for the care he administered to both the body and soul of those who sought his assistance. Born and educated in Rome, Sampson moved to Constantinople to practice medicine. Although a wealthy man from a prominent family, he chose to live in a humble house in the Empire's capital city. It is said that those who came to him would receive more than medicine. He readily offered alms for the poor and words of advice and comfort for the troubled.

When the Emperor Justinian was struck down with what was diagnosed as an incurable disease, Sampson was called to the Imperial court. The saintly physician placed his hand on the Emperor and the ruler was healed instantly! When Justinian wanted to reward him, Sampson declined, stating simply: "I once had plenty of silver, gold and other riches, but I gave it all away for the sake of Christ, that I may gain heavenly and eternal wealth." The Emperor still insisted on doing something to repay him, so Sampson requested that Justinian build a home in Constantinople for the poor. The grateful Emperor agreed, and Sampson was put in charge of this much needed shelter for the needy. Sampson fell asleep in the Lord in 530 A.D.