February 25
ST. CAESARIUS OF NAZIANZEN
Caesarius lived in the fourth century in present-day Turkey. His father
was the bishop of Nazianzen. At that time bishops and priests could
marry. Caesarius' brother is St. Gregory of nazianzen, the close friend
of St. Basil. Besides being a saint, Gregory is an important writer from
the early Church. His books are still read today.
Both Caesarius and Gregory received an excellent education. But while
Gregory wanted to be a priest, Caesarius wanted to be a medical doctor.
Both went to the schools that would help them accomplish their goals.
Caesarius completed his studies in medicine at Constantinople. He soon
became a well-known and trusted physician. In fact, Emperor Constantius,
who lived in Constantinople, wanted Caesarius to be his personal
physician. Caesarius thanked the emperor but gently refused. He wanted
to go back to Nazianzen, his home city.
Some time later, however, Caesarius was again called to serve the
emperor at Constantinople. This time it was the man known to history as
Julian the apostate. An apostate was someone who gave up his Christian
faith. This man had several officical orders against the Christians. He
was willing to exempt Caesarius, however, since he was such a good doctor.
Julian tried to coax the doctor into giving up his faith. Caesarius was
offered positions, bribes and privileges. Caesarius' father and brother
advised him to refuse the offers. They suggested he return home to
practice medicine.
In 368, Caesarius was almost killed in an earthquake. He escaped
unharmed but was badly shaken by the incident. He felt that God was
telling him to live a life of prayer away from the noise and flattery of
the court. Caesarius gave away his possessions to the poor. He began to
live a quiet, prayerful life.
St. Caesarius died shortly after in 369. The homily at his funeral was
preached by his brother, St. Gregory.
We all have a particular calling in life. God has given us the gifts to
perform that calling well. Like St. Caesarius, we need the wisdom to
listen to people we trust. We also need to refuse to follow people who
want to use our talents or education in wrong ways.