Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours
Saint Paul tells us, as he told the Romans, to greet the faithful who professed their faith during the days of old. It’s striking to think of the thousands of saints who have been canonized and so many of our beloved dead who have walked the same path in Christ. When he said “greet,” I think he meant to welcome and salute them with abundant hearts of joy, welcoming them as examples of their faith-filled life stories.
Luke’s gospel reminds us that Jesus said we can only serve one master. We must serve only our loving creator and father and only his ways – no other God exists. He beckons us to walk in one righteous path. Are we constantly seeking and following that one path in our life’s journey?
Jesus warns us by drawing parallels between more minor sins leading to greater sins. How often have we not resisted the temptation to do wrong by heeding the voice that says, “I’ll just do it once?” However, we yield and give in when temptation arrives again, and it’s even easier! We may justify ourselves to ourselves or others; however, God knows our hearts, thoughts, motivations, and actions.
Today, the memorial of Saint Martin of Tours commemorates the life of this bishop as a gentle, humble servant of God. Also known as Martin the Merciful, he led a life serving the poor. Legend tells us that he cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar while in the military and catechumen of the faith. That night, he dreamed of Jesus wearing the torn cloak. When he awoke, he saw the garment was restored.
Let us spend this day asking God to enlighten and lead us in his path and give us the courage to follow it today.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for this day and the very breath I have. I ask you to help me to be constantly aware of your presence and enlighten the path you wish me to follow. Show me the way, O God, to how best to serve you. Help me to recognize sin regardless of how trivial, and grant me the resolve to reject anything not of you. Cleanse me that I may love you with a perfect heart and spread your perfect love to the world you have given us. Amen.
