Today, November 11
Feast of the Day
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day
Saint of the Day
Martin was born about 316 in Pannonia (Hungary). Because his father was an army officer, Martin was conscripted to serve in the army. His parents were pagans but Martin became a Christian catechumen and was baptized at 18. Consequently, he decided that he should not be a soldier and became what could be called a conscientious objector. When the ensuing charges against Martin were finally dropped, he was free to pursue his vocation as a monk.
In 360, Martin settled in Gaul (France) and was soon joined by disciples; together they founded the first monastery in Gaul. In 371 Martin was proclaimed Bishop of Tours by the people. He served as a bishop-monk and converted pagans to the faith until his death in 397.
Everything we know about Martin was written by his friend Sulpicius Severus. The biography relates the many good works and wondrous deeds Martin performed which preserved his memory and made him such a popular saint. In art, he is usually depicted on horseback, handing his cloak to a poor man. Martin is a patron of France, soldiers and vintners.©2011 Living with Christ, Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/. Reprinted with permission.
Readings of the Day
Letter to Titus 3,1-7.
Beloved: Remind them to be under the control of magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be open to every good enterprise. They are to slander no one, to be peaceable, considerate, exercising all graciousness toward everyone. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another. But when the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.
Psalms 23(22),1-3a.3b-4.5.6.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul. He guides me in right paths for His names's sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage. You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 17,11-19.
As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, "Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!" And when he saw them, he said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, "Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?" Then he said to him, "Stand up and go; your faith has saved you."
Daily Reflection
After having offended our Benefactor by our indifference to his signs of goodwill, we have nevertheless not been forsaken by the Lord's goodness nor cut off from his love, but we have been rescued from death and restored to life by our Lord Jesus Christ. And the way in which we have been saved is even more worthy of wonder. “Though he was in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave” (Phil 2,6-7). He carried our weakness and bore our sufferings, he was put to death for our sake that we might be saved by his wounds, he redeemed us from the curse by becoming accursed for us (cf Is 53,4-5; Gal 3,13). He endured the most degrading of deaths to lead us to life and glory. And it was not enough for him to restore to life those who lay in death. He clothed them again in the divine dignity and prepared for them in everlasting rest a happiness that exceeds all human imagining. How, then, shall we repay the Lord for all he has given us? His goodness is such that he asks nothing in return for his blessings: he satisfied with being loved.