Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop
Salvation puts everything into perspective. That’s the impression that rose up within me as I prayed and reflected on our scriptures for today. We can choose to view ourselves, others, and the world around us through a self-centered lens, or we can choose to look at ourselves and the world from the perspective of salvation. Our very existence is anchored in the Paschal Mystery. At the time of St Paul’s letter, it seems that the church and/or society was marked by division and hatred. Paul admonishes Titus to remind the people who they are in Christ. Today, may we, who find ourselves living in a society characterized by divisiveness and hatred, renew ourselves in Christ’s love and recommit ourselves to doing good, living out Christ’s call to love.
As I read the first reading, I felt a shift take place within me from my head to my heart. I encourage you to read the passage slowly, with awareness of what you’re thinking and what you’re feeling as you read. Pause when you notice any words or phrases that particularly catch your attention. As I read the first part of the passage, I found myself thinking how closely Titus’ situation mirrors ours here in the U.S. Paul acknowledges that he, too, had been part of a community caught up in hatred and dissension. As I read the opening verses, my mind busily made all sorts of connections between the biblical world and our own. My mind began to focus on the hatred, the division, the slander, the deception, the malice. But then at verse 4, everything shifted for me from my head space to my heart. But when . . . “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Hope arose in my heart as I read those life-giving words. Can we allow ourselves today to marvel at the extravagance of Christ’s love for us, to be overwhelmed by gratitude, and to recommit ourselves to live, to truly live in this freedom that Christ bought for us? Jesus saved us from sin and evil, from hatred and division. How could I possibly contribute to divisiveness and hate when Christ has done so much for me?? God help me and forgive me for those times that I’ve failed to love and to be a peacemaker.
When my entire being is grounded in Christ, my outlook changes. Clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27), I look out through this garment of salvation at a world with which I am united. I see my fellow humans as brothers and sisters, not as “us” and “them.” I recognize the face of Christ in others, even those with whom I disagree, embracing each one as member of the Body of Christ. When I forget who I am, then I may view the world through an entirely different lens – the perspective Paul admonishes against in the opening verses. Verse 8 was not included in our reading, but I see it as important for our reflection. Paul concludes, “This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” If we aren’t careful, we will devote ourselves to divisiveness, hatred, slander, malice, envy, etc. If we are careful to remember and be grateful for our salvation, we will devote ourselves to doing what is good. I can be a contributor to divisiveness, or I can be a contributor to unity and peace. I can reject the “other” as hated enemy or I can pray for them, recognizing them as brother or sister in the Body of Christ. The choice is mine today.
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus expresses his bewilderment that 10 lepers were cleansed and only one returns to give thanks. Gratitude flows from a soul that remains grounded in the gift it has received. I believe gratitude is the fuel, the catalyst, for our doing good. Charity spills out from a heart overflowing with gratitude for God’s love and mercy. “The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I shall want,” sings our psalmist today! Salvation puts everything in perspective. Today, let us view ourselves, other people, and the creation through the Paschal Mystery, and ask God for the graces we need to remain rooted there.
Elizabeth Wourms