St. Martin of Tours

 Today is the memorial of St. Martin of Tours, fourth century monk, priest, bishop who worked tirelessly as a servant of God up to the time of his death in the year 397.  He is/was the first saint who was not a martyr, so I understand.  More so, he was a model pastor.   

St. Martin simply gave his life for Christ.  We are called to do so as well, in the way Jesus calls each of us to do.  We tend to want to ignore that or forget that, and live a “Catholic life” based on what we decide that will be.  St. Martin simply followed Christ completely.  He allowed Christ to lead.

Today, we are called to live the baptismal promise of  “priest,” not the sacramental but the evangelical.  As  disciples sent to all corners of...if not the world, then our neighborhood.  Or maybe within our own four walls.  It depends.  It is not an easy call to follow, especially in our country.  

I’ve found St. Martin to be an example of discipleship.  On call 24-7. Go where needed, do what is called for.  You really can’t plan this because it is Christ who will send you.  It’s a matter of prayer and humility...being open to God’s call in your life and willing to go where sent when you hear it.  Not an easy task, but one that brings peace to one’s heart.   

St. Martin of Tours, pray for us.