Today, we celebrate the memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Patron Saint of horses, soldiers and South Africa. Martin was a conscientious objector who wanted to be a monk; a monk who was maneuvered into being a bishop; a bishop who fought paganism as well as pleaded for mercy to heretics.
Saint Martin of Tours is known for the story about his kindness to an unknown poor man, clothed in rags and shivering with winter cold, who held out his thin hand for charity. Martin cut his military cloak in two and gave one-half to the shivering beggar saying: “It is all I have to give, for I have no money. The story goes that that night Martin dreamed that Jesus Christ appeared to him wearing on His shoulders the half of his cloak which had been given to the beggar, and He said to Martin: “Look at this cloak, and see if you recognize it”. Then the shining Visitor turned from the young officer to the troop of Angels who accompanied Him, saying: “Martin, though only a catechumen, has clothed Me with this garment”.
As Bishop of Tours, Martin did great work for God, making many converts and building up the Church. The flock in his diocese knew him for his kindness to all and especially to the poor. He is also known for his severe penances and his love of prayer. Thus, when he died at the age of eighty years, he was loved and venerated by all his people.
In our first reading, from the letter of Paul to Titus ( 1:1-9), Paul enumerated the qualities of a church leader as he assigned Titus the responsibility of appointing leaders (elders) in every town he leads in Crete. Paul trusted in the prudent judgment of Titus. He emphasized that as a pastor, he must promote the knowledge of truth and the hope of eternal life. In addition to his duty to teach and promote the faith, he must show good judgment of character in the selection of church leaders(elders). Paul listed the expectations or qualities of those to be selected to the presbyter and to the episcopate(bishop).
In addition to the qualities listed by Paul, the presbyter or bishop must be of a generous and kind spirit. He must be ready to offer sacrificial love to his brothers and sisters, especially the gift of forgiveness, which Jesus says must be given, over and over and over again.
Happy Veterans Day to all our military men and women. Thank You!
Have a wonderful week
