St. Martin of Tours
Today’s Readings: Hosea 2:18-23 Psalm 11 Galatians 6:1-2 Matthew 25:31–40
Martin of Tours was born c. 330 to pagan parents, in what is now Hungary. His father, an officer in the Roman military, enlisted Martin into the army at the age of 15. While serving as a soldier he came across a beggar in the cold with no coat. Martin became known for having taken his sword and cutting his cloak in half to share with the beggar. After this he dreamed Christ was wearing the other half of his cloak. The next morning his cloak was miraculously made whole again. Prior to this he had considered becoming a Christian, however, Martin took this as a sign and he finished his Christian training and was baptized. Later Martin founded the first monastery in Gaul, which lasted until the French Revolution. In 371 he was elected bishop of Tours. His life was marked by a series of choices; choices to choose what was right over what was the easier, less costly route.
Today is the Feast of Martin, it’s also the day of the Armistice which marked the end of the First World War. The gospel for the Feast of St. Martin, is from Matthew. Jesus is telling his followers a story explaining the meaning of sacrificial service, of caring for the lonely, the hungry, clothing the naked - a series of tasks that amount to sacrificial service. This is what retired Presiding Bishop Michael Curry describes as Love, not sentimental love reserved for only a few but love in action, the kind of love that changes the world. Not love that is ostentatious or intended to impress others, but love that involves sacrifice, hard choices. Genuine sacrifice is to make something sacred, or holy – an act of devotion or worship to God, giving of ourselves, our service, by dedicating our whole heart to God.
As the days grow dark earlier each day and the nights begin to cool, bringing on the first signs of fall weather, look around your home and give thanks for the warmth that surrounds you, for the lights that brighten darkened rooms and the food that is on your table each day. Then take an accounting of your closets and if you have an extra gently used coat or scarf, an extra pair of gloves or a hat, please consider bringing them to the alcove at Saint Stephen’s to be distributed to those who may not have a warm coat or a warm place to spend the night. We will be collecting these items for the months of November and December. They will be distributed to persons in need at Grace Church Woodlawn and by the Avondale Breakfast ministry.
Jesus said, “35for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36I was naked and you gave me clothing . . . .” Bp. Curry didn’t say that love in action was always easy, but he did say that with practice, like exercising a muscle, our love can grow stronger. He said this kind of Love can't be limited to one group of friends, one city, one nation, one race or one faith. Martin lived this kind of love. What better time than the Feast of St. martin to begin to practice our love for one another by cleaning out our closets and adding a little warmth to someone in need.
Faithfully,
Sally+
Reflection Questions: Where in your life can you be more generous with your love? Where in your day can your actions show the type of Love that Bp. Curry describes, that St. Martin practiced?