Memorial of Saint
Martin de Porres, religious
(Philippians 2:1-4; Luke 14:12-14)
Flannery O’Connor describes a vision of saints entering
heaven like this: “There were whole companies of white-trash, clean for the
first time in their lives, and bands of black niggers in white robes, and
battalions of freaks and lunatics shouting and clapping and leaping like frogs.” The party resembles the kind of banquet Jesus
recommends that the Pharisee throw in today’s gospel.
Jesus teaches that the way to heaven is to take care of
those most in need. God’s Providence uses
ordinary people to assist the needy.
When people fulfill this plan, they can count on God’s blessing in
death. Then they may not be surprised to
find themselves in the same company which they served.
St. Martin de Porres spent his life serving the most
humble of God’s creatures. He not only helped
the poor but took care of the animals as well.
He is frequently shown as befriending a rat. No doubt, he feels at home in heaven where
the faithful poor surround the Lord’s table.
But there are others as well.
People like us who remember the poor not just with leftovers but with our
heart’s desires.
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