Memorial of Saint
Martin de Porres, religious
(Philippians 3:3-8a; Luke 15:1-10)
A story about St. Martin de Porres illustrates the vision
of today’s gospel. According to the
testimony of a Dominican friar made during the investigation into Martin’s
sanctity, Martin loved animals. One late
night the friar followed Martin in the community dining room. The saint served a plate of food to his
animal friends. Soon a dog and a cat
were eating at his feet. Then Martin
spotted a rat in a hole in the wall looking hungrily at the two larger
animals. Martin invited the rat to join
the feast with words to the effect, “Come, little one, don’t be afraid; come
and eat.” The rat joined his natural
predators and all ate happily together.
Jesus has come to the world to invite everyone to his
Father’s table. He does not want anyone
excluded. When the Pharisees and scribes
grumble that Jesus associates with sinners, Jesus tells three parables about
God’s love for them. Two of these
parables form today’s gospel reading.
The lost sheep is the sinner for whom the shepherd goes far out of his
way to find. The party hosted by the
woman upon finding a lost coin indicates the banquet which God is preparing for
all the different peoples inhabiting the earth.
Along with being charmed by Jesus’ parables and pious stories
of the saints, we must take to heart Jesus’ message. He calls us to reform our lives and then to
the table prepared by his Father. Reform
means letting go of self-centeredness to assist others, especially those most
in need.
