Readings: Wisdom 2:23-3:9, Ps. 34:2-3,16-19, Luke 17:7-10
“The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish, they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be an affliction, but they are at peace.” (Wisdom 3:1-3)
Death can be seen as an insult; it shows no respect for anyone, whether rich or poor, high or low. God has instilled in us a survival instinct so that no matter how harsh life on earth may be, we try to avoid death. Whenever we hear of someone we know passing away, the reality of our fragility fills us with dread. We realise that death is not so distant from us. We ask, “How did it happen? What killed him? Why did she die?” We want to know the cause of their death in hopes of avoiding it.
No matter how we try to escape death, it follows us like our shadow. The more we run from it, the more it clings to us. Today, the Book of Wisdom teaches us that the cure for death is not in trying to avoid it, but in living a virtuous life: “The souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God, no torment will ever touch them… they are at peace.”
Live your life in such a way that at the moment of your death, you will be glad to go home. Conquer death long before it occurs. St. Paul asked: “O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting? The sting of death is sin.” (1 Corinthians 15:55-56). What makes death painful is our sin – our refusal to make peace with God.
Living a virtuous life often feels unrewarding, especially in a society that celebrates thieves and punishes the righteous. Sometimes, we ask ourselves: “What is my reward for being an upright and truthful person amid so much corruption and evil?” Jesus answers this question in today’s Gospel passage: “When you have done all that is commanded you, say: ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” (Luke 17:10)
Consider it your duty to be good. The world needs you; it needs Christians. We are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. You do not thank your bulb for shining when you turn on the switch; it is simply doing its duty. Do not expect anyone to thank or praise you for shining. Just continue living a virtuous life. Be more concerned with having conquered death than with receiving praise from others.
St. Martin of Tours was probably born between 316 and 336 AD in Savaria, Pannonia (now Hungary). His father, a senior officer in the Roman army, moved the family to Northern Italy, where Martin grew up. Although brought up in a pagan household, Martin adopted Christianity at the age of 10 and joined the Roman cavalry at 15.
At around 18, Martin gained fame for sharing his cloak with a beggar in Amiens, an act that led him to have a vision of Christ that very night. By the time he was 20, Martin decided to become a conscientious objector, refusing to continue fighting and later leaving the military to dedicate his life to Christian service.
Martin studied under Hilary of Poitiers in Tours. To escape Arian persecution, he lived as a hermit and founded Liguge Abbey, which still exists today. Although he was initially reluctant, he was persuaded to become the Bishop of Tours in 371. In this role, he diligently sought to combat paganism and heretical teachings.
In 372, Martin founded Marmoutier Abbey as a centre for monastic retreat. Martin died in 397 in Candes-Saint-Martin. He was famous for performing miracles and converting Druids, and he is the patron saint of many, including the poor and soldiers. His feast day is observed on 11 November, and he is often portrayed sharing his cloak with a beggar.
Let us pray: O God, who are glorified in the Bishop Saint Martin both by his life and death, make new, we pray, the wonders of your grace in our hearts, that neither death nor life may separate us from your love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Wisdom 2:23-3:9, Ps. 34:2-3,16-19, Luke 17:7-10)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu