Today, our Church and our country focus on what it means to serve. On this day, November 11th at the 11th hour in 1918, a truce was signed between the Allied nations and Germany which ended World War I. Now called Veteran’s Day, today is a time to remember and honor the brave women and men in our military who have sacrificed so much for the freedom we enjoy. They have shown obedience and faithfulness to their commitment. For their selfless service and dedication that they and their families have made, and for those who currently serve our nation in the military, we offer our humble prayers of gratitude.
In our gospel, we hear about a master also expects obedience and faithfulness from his servants. After coming in from a full day’s work in the field, the servant doesn’t eat or relax, but, instead, performs yet another task of serving the master’s meal. If the servant thinks that he has a compliment coming for this work, he is mistaken. In reality, we are reminded, this servant is doing what is expected of him/her, which is to show obedience and faithfulness.
In our own day, these servants are not unlike our first responders who are interviewed about their role and involvement in a disaster situation. They are quick to response: “I’m just doing my job.”
Today our Church also celebrates another servant, St. Martin of Tours. Born to pagan parents in Italy in 316, his father was a Roman military officer. Martin discovered Christianity, and became a catechumen in his early teens. He joined the Roman imperial army at age 15.
The famous story is told of him that while travelling, he encountered a beggar. It was cold and having nothing to give but the clothes on his back, Martin cut his heavy officer's cloak in half and gave it to the beggar. Later he had a dream and saw Christ wearing that half of the cloak.
He was baptized into the Church at age 18. Just before a battle, Martin announced that his faith prohibited him from fighting. Charged with cowardice, he was jailed, and his superiors planned to put him in the front of the battle. However, the battle never occurred, and Martin was released from military service. Because of this, Martin is recognized as the first conscientious objector in recorded history.
Martin then became a hermit for ten years, eventually founding an Abbey. When the bishop of Tours died in 371, Martin was chosen, by popular acclamation, to replace him even though Martin wanted to decline the position. He died in 397 and became the first non-martyr to receive the status of a saint.
St. Martin of Tours is the patron saint of soldiers and conscientious objectors because he was a person of peace and compassion while serving as a Roman soldier. He led with gentleness and kindness and, after leaving the army, became an obedient and faithful soldier of Christ.
St. Martin, bless our military, their families, and bless us who also want to serve Christ with peace and compassion, obedience and faithfulness. Amen
