Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Martin of Tours, B., (11th November, 2019) on the Gospel
and the Memorial
Wis 1:1-7;
Ps 138:1-10. (R. v.24);
Lk 17:1-6.
Saint Martin of Tours was born in the present day
Hungary either in 316 or 336 AD. He became a Christian at the age of 10. As a
young soldier, he encountered a naked beggar in Amiens. He cut his cloak with
his sword into two halves and gave one to the beggar. That night, he had a
vision in which Christ appeared and said to him, “Martin, a mere catechumen has
clothed me.” When he was about 20 years old, he made it clear to his superiors
that he would no longer fight, following his formed Christian conscience, but his
superiors accused him of cowardice. Although he vehemently refused the
bishopric, he was ordained the bishop of Tours in 371 and he became a holy and
hardworking Bishop. He established a system of parishes to manage his diocese
and visited each parish at least once per year. He passionately and faithfully
proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ and won many to the Christian faith.
Martin died in Candes-Saint-Martin, Gaul in 397. He is the patron of the poor,
soldiers, conscientious objectors, tailors, and winemakers.[1]
Topic: Leading others astray.
Today’s gospel is taken from the sayings of Jesus on scandal,
forgiveness, and faith. Our homily is focused on scandal.
Jesus warned,
Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone
by whom they come! It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around
your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these
little ones to stumble.
It is very important to mark the strong words Jesus used in
this warning. Death will not even be enough punishment. Such persons are not
worthy of having their tombs marked, hence, a millstone around the neck. These
words of Jesus can be likened to the words He used about His would be betrayer,
cf. Matt 26:24; Mk 14:21.
Stumbling/scandal can come through one’s actions, words, and
inactions. Sometimes one is entangled in this mess just to achieve one ulterior
motive or the other. One must do, say, and avoid what he/she ought to. All must
be very careful to avoid whatever is wrong because what one considers light may
not be so for the other person, cf. 1Cor
8: 4-13. Saint Martin of Tours we celebrate today brought people to Christ instead
of scandalising them.
Bible Readings: Mal 2:1-9.
Thought for today: Neither stumble nor make anyone stumble.
Let us pray: Lord, help us to gather every
creature to you through our words, actions, and inactions – Amen.
Saint Martin of Tours – Pray for us.
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others if you consider it worthy.
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May
God bless you all+
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