A soldier before he was baptized; he founded a monastery in France. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1692)
St Martin of Tours
A Roman officer, converted from paganism and baptized when he was about twenty years old. He was a deacon, presbyter, finally Bishop of Tours in France.
What characterized his life in a special way? Courage in the faith and generosity to all. Through fidelity to Christ’s message, he had to struggle, suffer, commit himself boldly against heathens, heretics and unbelievers.
He consecrated the whole of his life to love of neighbor, beginning from that famous night when he, still a catechumen, was making the rounds one night in the depth of winter. He met a poor, half-naked man. He took his sword, cut his cloak in two, and gave half to that poor man. The following night, he saw in a dream Jesus himself wearing that half of his cloak.
You, too, be courageous in living and testifying to your Christian faith, convinced it is truly the solution to the gravest problems of life! You, too, be generous, always, toward all, with love, with charity, in spirit of sacrifice, sure that real joy is found in loving and giving!
I sincerely hope and pray your days shall pass by in peace and you may be able to taste the joy of being truly Christians in perfect accord with, and in obedience to, the Lord’s will as we ask in today’s Holy Mass.
With this prayer and with great affection, I impart my blessing to you and gladly extend it to all your dear ones.
Ref: cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, pp389-90
Parable of the laborers: Its moral sense
This vine (the care of the household Master, Almighty God) is our soul, created in his image, made fruitful by the Blood of his Son. He gives it to us, exhorts us from the morning of life to its close to cultivate with all diligence; that it may yield abundant fruits of holiness, stimulating our zeal by the hope of an eternal reward.
What powerful motives! How have we labored in the world during our youth? In our studies? In the various assignments confided to us? If we are young, let us redouble our diligence in making good use of time.
If we are at the sixth or ninth hour, more advanced in life, fully occupied, beware lest dissipation or tepidity make us forget the interests of our soul. On the contrary, strive to become more and more fervent.
Recall that the laborers were not paid ‘till evening came’. God rewards the labors of life at its close, the hour of death or in eternity, which we reach through death. Life ought not to seem long. It is, after all, but a day which is quickly passed.
“One day in the sight of the Lord is as a thousand years”, in the words of the Apostle St Peter, “and a thousand years as one day” (2 Pet 3:8).
Observe besides, that the foreman is commanded to call all the laborers and that all receive the same wages, signifying that all the elect will be admitted into heaven, and will equally share its bliss according to their capacities which may be infinitely varied.
We may also learn, that those who had worked but one hour received the same wages as those who had borne the labor and heat of the day. Fervor, not the number of years in spiritual life, which is of value in the sight of God.
Those who were called first, and labored the whole day; why did they murmur? Because the others received the same as they did, and even seemed to be preferred to them, being the first called for payment. Here is a lesson for whoever has grown old in spiritual formation.
They risk falling into certain defects: vanity, eagerness for distinction and privileges, suspicion, jealousy, ill-humor. Worst of all, spiritual lukewarmness induced by waning bodily strength. Let us guard against these defects by watchfulness and prayer, saying with David, “Unto old age and gray hairs, O God, forsake me not”.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp710-2
Giving ourselves in serving others
Every Christian is called to serve the Lord according to his or her circumstances. He expects all of us to serve him, the Church and society with all the talents we can muster. Then we will come to understand the wisdom of that truth: “To serve is to reign.” (Second Vatican Council, “Gaudium et spes”, 24) It is in love, in giving, in serving others where our dignity is realized.
We must serve the Lord and others with a supernatural spirit, without expecting any reward for our generosity. We should serve even that person who most likely will not thank us nor even acknowledge our service. Our very act on behalf of others must be regarded as a direct service for Christ.
“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Mt 25:40) Numerous opportunities to serve the Lord come by us every day! ‘Serviam!’ I will serve you, my Lord, all the days of my life. Help me to persevere in this intention. “Whoever serves me must follow me; ... Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.” (Jn 12:26)
“Man, the only creature on earth which God willed for itself, cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of himself.” (cf Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 36)
“Let us remember that Mary, Mother of God and Mother of men, is not only a model but also a proof of the transcendental value of an apparently unimportant life.” (“Conversations with Monsignor Escrivá”, 87)
Are we making a serious effort to extend the Reign of Christ? If we are truly generous, our lives will be filled with God’s peace. The secret of being generous with Our Lord is to go to Mary. She will help us be faithful souls with a keen sense of detachment. Beside her, in the many occasions to serve others, we will surely forget about ourselves.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 5:40-4
Crucible -- “This is the prayer of a soul who wanted to belong wholly to God, and, for his sake, to all mankind: ‘Lord, I beg you to work on this sinner, to rectify and purify my intentions, to pass them through the crucible’.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 800)
On this day, about the year 1546, the Portuguese gained a great victory over the infidels, who had been before the castle of Die, in the East Indies, for the space of seven months, and who would have carried it by storm, if Our Lady had not appeared upon the walls; which caused so great terror in the enemy’s camp, that the siege was at once raised. — Balingham on the Calendar. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
‘Nossa Senhora do português’ / Our Lady of the Portuguese. 1546. Mary appeared to the Portuguese and led them to victory in battle. ... ["On this day, ~1546, Portuguese gained a great victory over infidels, who had been before the case of Die, in the East Indies, for the space of 7months, /who would have carried it by storm, if Our Lady had not appeared upon the walls; which caused so great terror in enemy's camp, that the siege was at once raised." Balingham on the Calendar.] (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
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