(Optional) Memorial of Saint Martin de Porres, religious
(Romans 13:8-10; Luke 14:25-33)
Two years ago Patrick Johnson, an inmate of
a Florida prison, published a novel featuring St. Martin de Porres. Martin does not have a primary role in the
story. He stays in the background
emerging at times to help the main character.
Nor does Martin perform any of the tasks for which he is famous. He does
not feed the hungry, heal the sick, or serve the friars. He just saves the protagonist from harm.
Mr. Johnson has captured the essence of
this saint. Martin helped people in
distress. He was so present to the
distraught that he seemed on occasion to be in two places people at the same
time. Yet just saying that Martin was
good at helping others falls short of describing his accomplishment. Martin treated others in agony as would have
treated the crucified Lord. He loved
them with his whole heart as from childhood he would spend hours at a time
before the crucifix.
Martin makes a marvelous patron for any and
all. Being poor and humble, he models
the remedies of overindulgence and self-promotion that characterize our
age. Being devout and responsible, he exemplifies
for us Jesus’ two great commandments.
Man or woman, rich or poor, Black or White, we can find in Martin qualities
to emulate. Doing so will move us closer
to him on the road to eternal life.
