Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop
Our readings today challenge us to single-mindedly seek out God. In the book of Wisdom we read that all power on earth is given by God. The test is whether the power is used to exalt our own purposes or God’s purpose. The Lord’s mercy is great and just, yet to those who are given many possibilities, much will be expected. That is why the Old Testament author calls us to deeply desire that which is holy. When we learn wisdom and keep holy God’s precepts, then our response to the test will be: we have walked in the ways of the Lord.
Walking in the way of the Lord can be difficult, especially if we our watching our feet all the time. Watching our feet means our focus is still on self. Metaphorically, it might we mean are focused on our own issues like the turf we feel the need to defend at work. It could mean we watch for the obstacles on the ground that we fear might trip us up if we raise our eyes. Ironically our giving our attention to self in fact is the real obstacle. When we fully desire wisdom, wisdom is what we promised.
Getting our spiritual desire is not an ends, as today’s gospel points out. The ten lepers had their eyes oriented toward God and therefore easily recognized that Jesus at a distance. The lepers shouted “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” Jesus took pity and sent them off to the priests. In the process the all lepers were healed physically, yet only one returned to the Lord grateful for this gift. The grateful leper is healed by Jesus again, this time spiritually.
Spirit healing is what we all desire. It is with this gift of healing that we can fully recognize God in all whom we meet. The readings today speak harshly about focusing on our selfish desires. Reflect on a situation or relationship that is need of spiritual healing. Pray for the ability to recognize Christ fully present in that person or situation.
On this Memorial of St. Martin (& Veterans Day) we remember a soldier whose eyes were able to recognize Christ in a stranger. One day Martin encountered a beggar who was freezing. He cut his cloak in two and gave half to the beggar. That night Martin had a vision of Christ wearing half of his cloak. He left the army and converted. He became a hermit, and later a bishop continuing to live a monastic life.
Lo"rd, help us to know and recognize You not just intellectually, but with depth of knowledge that comes through a heart focused on walking and living Your holy way. Amen!”
- Michael Montgomery