St. Martin de Porres
Scripture:
Philippians 2:12-18
Luke 14:25-33
Reflection:
God is at work in you and me today. And like in nature, chaos, disturbance and seemingly destructive forces break into new life. I have vivid memories of some individuals who have challenged me to the wall. It wasn’t pretty, but it was the only way for the true truth to break through. It is a way to "giving up all my possessions." That is how I hear Jesus’ words to us today.
We remember Martin De Porres today. He was a Dominican laybrother in Lima, Peru. He had entered the friary when he was 15. He must have understood, in some way, shape, or form what Jesus was talking about when He said, "become my disciple, give up all your possessions." He served in all kinds of capacities including barber, infirmarian, farm-laborer. Ultimately, he put his whole self into caring for the sick the poor and animals.
What is your morning offering for the day? "Lord, of what do you ask me to let go, today, in order to better serve others?"
Fr. Alex Steinmiller, C.P. is president of Holy Family Cristo Rey High School, Birmingham, Alabama.