ST MARTIN OF TOURS (Memorial) White

Martin as a Christian convert joined the Roman imperial army at the age of 15. Once in a horseback in Gaul, he encountered a half-naked beggar and gave half of his officer’s cloak to him. Later Martin had a vision of Christ wearing the cloak. He later became a hermit and formed what would become the Benedictine abbey of Liguge. He died a bishop.

First Reading: 2Jn 4-9; Psalm: 119. R. v. 1b; Gospel: Lk 17:26-37

BE SAFE IN GOD

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

“Remember the wife of Lot. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it.” (Lk 17:32-33)

The story of Lot’s wife who turned to a pillar of salt is a familiar one. Although God commanded them not to look back as they left the city of Sodom and Gomorrah, but she did due to the terrifying sound of the fire and brimstone that rained over the city. Apparently, she was scared she might be hurt by the destructive fire and failed to trust in God who commanded them not to look back. She looked back and became a pillar of salt. She wanted to save her life and lost it in the process. Today, Jesus reminds us of that incident.

Most times, we plan and live our lives as if God don’t even exist. We feel too comfortable and rely so much on our strength, talent, wealth, and earthly security. We insure our health and properties without insuring our life. We plan our future as if we were so sure of it and forget that each day is a gift and a blessing from God that we must live with humility and thankfulness. And this is why we often fail. This is why we feel empty and unfulfilled. And eventually, we die and lose everything.

Jesus is telling us today to relying solely on him. In other words, adhering to the will and direction of God is the only way our life can be saved eternally. Jesus remains the way, the truth and the life. When we plan our life without him; we are planning to fail. Remember, “It was God who created our being, and knit us together in our mother’s womb.” (Ps 139:13). He knows the best for us and can order our lives accordingly if we let him. Because “Every one of our days was decreed by him, before one of them came into being.” (Ps 139:16). So if we must save our life, then God must take the lead.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, may our will be lost in thine. Amen.