The Memorial of St Martin of Tours

The Memorial of St Martin of Tours

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Wis. 7:22-8:1, Lk. 17:20-25. Today's first reading extols the qualities of wisdom and gives some insight into understanding how wisdom is personified. Wisdom is seen as the handmaid of God and is treasured by those who seek to be in relationship with God. Those who are in the company of wisdom exhibit wonderful qualities found in wisdom: "Wisdom is a spirit that is intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, mobile, clear, unpolluted, distinct, invulnerable, loving the good, keen, irresistible, beneficent, humane, steadfast, sure, free from anxiety, all-powerful, overseeing all, and penetrating through all spirits that are intelligent, pure, and altogether subtle. Wisdom is more mobile than any motion; because of her pureness she pervades and penetrates all things." Thus, a person who desires to live a God-graced life will be accustomed to live with wisdom. All admirable character traits flow from wisdom for God blesses those who seek wisdom. Parallel to wisdom is the word of God as described by the Psalmist. The word of God gives understanding to the simple and guides the way of those who seek to walk in the path of God.  

In today's Gospel, Jesus responds to the questions of the Pharisees concerning the coming of the "Reign of God." Jesus announces that the "Reign of God" has already begun and is in their midst, if they but open their minds and hearts to it.  The fullness of the "Reign of God" will not come about until the Son of Man returns in final glory.  In the meantime, there will be trying days as the disciples of Jesus await His return. Today, we are challenged to examine our behaviour and discern what will most fully proclaim the "Reign of God that is not only here for us, but also for others. Today, we are inspired by the good examples set by St Martin of Tours, a renowned Bishop in Tours in what is today southern part of France, who was formerly an Army centurion in the Imperial Roman Army. Martin served in the Roman Army and was noted for his great character, his care for his subordinates, charity for the poor and great faith. He was an exemplary character even from the days before he became the Bishop of Tours. In a well-known story, when he was still an Army centurion, Martin of Tours was travelling on a cold day when he saw a beggar by the roadside suffering from the severe cold condition and without much hesitation, he cut his officer’s cloak in half and gave that half to the beggar to protect him from the cold. Later that night, in a vision, Martin saw the poor beggar who revealed himself to be the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He praised what Martin had done, which reminds us of the Lord’s words that whatever we do for the least among us, we do it for the Lord.

May the wisdom of God dwell in us and make us discern His will in our lives! Amen!! Good morning and have a wonderful day!!!

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