Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop

READINGS

Reading 1 Wisdom 2:23–3:9

God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made them. But by the envy of the Devil, death entered the world, and they who are in his possession experience it. But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.

REFLECTION

The Catholic Church's readings selected for today are prudent. They are also timely. Today is the memorial of St. Martin of Tours, Bishop, but he was also a soldier. In the United States, November 11th is observed as Veterans' Day. The 11th day of November was originally called Armistice day. It was on the "eleventh hour of the 11th day of the eleventh month" in 1918 when an armistice was signed. Today the United States remembers the soldiers who died and who served in wars.

St. Martin was the son of a horse soldier. He was expected to follow in his father's footsteps, but at 10 years of age he was influenced by the Gospels to become a Christian. Later, Eighteen year old, Martin was on duty and saw a poor man hardly clothed, shivering in the cold. He took his cloak and cut it in half with his sword. He gave the man half of his cloak out of compassion for the man's poverty. This action proved to be a sign of a deeper conviction in Martin's soul. He understood that the faith of Jesus Christ calls for peace between brothers and brotherly love. Therefore, when he was sent to battle, he felt he could not fight. His captain said he must so Martin said he would not desert, but he would go to the battle without a weapon. In God's providence, a truce was called between the two sides and Martin asked to be relieved of his military duty.

After he left the military, he studied under St. Hilary of Poitiers. He became a monk and later a Bishop. He was a champion of the poor and his faith. He fought against "paganism" and many heresies of his time. He founded monasteries and helped educate priests in France.

St. Martin of Tours was a true and dedicated soldier of his King, Jesus Christ! "As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect."

Let us pray for all priests to have the virtue of "Truthfulness." Let us pray that they follow the True King, Jesus Christ as did St. Martin of Tours. Here is our PAPA Prayer for Priests.

References

https://thecatholicheroes.com/history-biographies/st-martin-of-tours-the-soldier-saint-who-became-the-patron-of-soldiers/