Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, bishop
(Titus 1:1-9; Luke 17:1-6)
If the sudden use of “bishop” in today’s first reading after
the author writes of “presbyters” strikes you as odd, your intuition is
right. The two terms, whose meanings are
manifestly distinguishable to us, are interchangeable in this letter. The author, presumably St. Paul although
contemporary scholars differ on this, names the qualities of a Church
leader. These are innocence, humility,
equanimity, sobriety, calmness, etcetera. St. Martin, bishop of Tours, seems to
fit the bill like a DNA matchup.
Martin was born in what is now Hungary. He entered the army but withdrew as he saw it
conflicting with the Christian faith he was assuming. He was eventually baptized and became a monk,
living alone at first but eventually joined by others. When he was named the bishop of Tours by
acclamation, he continued living as a monk and founding monasteries. Martin was beloved by his people, who
dreaded the thought of his dying.
Touched by their solicitation, Martin prayed, “Lord, if your people
still need me, I do not refuse the work; let your will be done.”
As much as ever, the Church needs leaders like St. Martin of
Tours. Faith is being challenged by the
learned. Moral temptations from
hedonists abound. Individualism impels
people away from reconciliatory communities.
Strong leadership would encourage us to live more for God and one
another than for ourselves.
