The heavens proclaim the glory of God. — Psalm 19:2

Mass Readings: Wisdom 13:1-9 / Luke 17:26-37 

Because He Loved 

St. Martin of Tours (316-397) was an especially lovable person. As an army officer, he polished his servant’s boots. Another time Martin gave half of his coat to a shivering beggar, then in a dream, he saw Jesus wearing that half of his coat. When Martin pleaded with people to cut down a tree they worshiped, Martin let them tie him to the side where it would fall, but as the tree tilted toward him, Martin made the Sign of the Cross and it fell the other way. 

Martin tried hard to feel as others feel, so he spent much time successfully pleading for the release of prisoners who were to be tortured and killed. So much was his fervor, that when he asked for clemency for them, he was rarely denied. Because Martin loved, he was loved and respected in turn. 

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to love as You and Martin loved.