St. Martin of Tours

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Martin of Tours. St. Martin lived in the fourth century and followed his father’s footsteps in becoming a Roman soldier. Interestingly, his parents were pagans. There is a story that St. Martin came upon a beggar who was nearly naked in the freezing cold weather. Martin cut his own outerwear in half and gave it to the man. He was mocked by some of his fellow soldiers for showing such charity. Afterwards, Martin had a vision of Christ.

Conversion

Not surprisingly then, Martin began to study Christianity and converted from his military life to a religious life. Martin spent time living as a hermit. He is known as one of the founders of monasticism in the area he lived. St. Martin later became bishop of Tours and an exorcist. He desperately tried to change the pagan ways in France.

Special

St. Martin was very special to his followers. When he was nearing the end of his life, his followers became quite saddened. He once prayed in his old age, “Lord, if your people still have need of my services, I will not avoid the toil. Your will be done. I have fought the good fight long enough. Yet if you bid me continue to hold the battle line in defense of your camp, I will never beg to be excused from failing strength. I will do the work you entrust to me. While you command, I will fight beneath you banner.” -St. Martin of Tours

He eventually died of old age, working for the Lord until the very end. He visited the sick, preached far and wide, and prayed unceasingly.

Wisdom

Today’s first reading from the Book of Wisdom encourages the rulers of the earth to seek Wisdom. What then, is Wisdom? The reading explains the qualities. Some noted are intelligence, holy, unique, clear, pure, knowledge of what is right, and good judgement.

St. Martin then, is an excellent model for how a wise man behaves and presents himself before the Lord and others.

The gospel talks about the coming of the kingdom of God and how we must suffer greatly. We will be rejected by this generation. St. Martin spent time in exile because he so vehemently rejected the secular ways of his time. Surely, he knew of this suffering the gospel speaks of.

Suffer as he did, it did not decelerate the work God intended him to do. His passion and love for God never sidestepped from being the most important thing in Martin’s life.

May we too, have this courage and passion to love the Lord with all of our strength and being—even when the going gets tough—especially when the going gets tough. May we show charity to others in such a way that they will never forget even the smallest of acts. When something is done out of true love for God, it really never is forgotten.

[Readings: Wis 7:22b–8:1; Lk 17:20-25]

Joanne Huestis-Dalrymple

Joanne Huestis-Dalrymple is a freelance writer residing in Wake Forest, NC. She is a wife and mother of eight, plus two in heaven. Joanne coaches the St. Thomas More Academy swim team and is a member of the school’s CrossFit team. Joanne has a devotion to our Blessed Mother and she enjoys reading, writing, gardening and going on adventures with her big family.

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