November 11
St Martin of Tours
Wednesday, week 32 in Ordinary Time — Year II
St Martin of Tours, one of the most beloved saints of Western Christianity, was born in the early 4th century in what is now Hungary. He grew up during a time of profound transition for the Roman Empire as Christianity gradually moved from persecution to favor. As a young man, Martin served as a soldier in the Roman army, but his encounter with a poor beggar—whom he famously clothed with half of his military cloak—marked a decisive pivot towards a life of charity and faith. After leaving military service, he became a disciple of St Hilary of Poitiers and was later sought out by the people of Tours to become their bishop despite his reluctance.
As bishop, Martin became known for his missionary zeal, humility, and commitment to the poor. He traveled extensively through rural Gaul (modern France), evangelizing and opposing the lingering pagan practices of the time. His leadership was marked by gentle firmness and profound compassion. The many legendary accounts of his miracles contributed to his widespread veneration in the Middle Ages and his designation as the patron saint of many communities, especially in France. The Church gives thanks for St Martin’s model of pastoral charity and fidelity, commemorating him to inspire bishops, clergy, and all Christians to imitate his love for Christ and neighbor.
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Mass readings
ReadingTt 3, 1-7
Beloved,
remind everyone that they must be subject
to rulers and authorities,
that they must obey them
and be ready to do whatever is good;
that they must not insult anyone,
be nonviolent, but kind,
showing constant gentleness
towards all people.
For we too were once foolish, rebellious,
led astray, slaves to all sorts of desires and pleasures;
we lived in malice and envy,
we were hateful and full of hatred for one another.
But when God our Savior
showed his goodness and love for humanity,
he saved us,
not because of any righteous deeds we had done,
but according to his mercy.
Through the bath of baptism, he made us new
and renewed us in the Holy Spirit.
This Spirit, God poured out on us abundantly,
through Jesus Christ our Savior,
so that, made righteous by his grace,
we might become in hope
heirs to eternal life.
– The word of the Lord.
Psalm22 (23), 1-2a, 2b-3, 4, 5, 6
The Lord is my shepherd:
I lack nothing.
On green pastures,
he lets me rest.
He leads me beside still waters
and restores my soul;
he guides me along the right path
for the sake of his name.
Even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil,
for you are with me:
your rod and staff comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil,
my cup overflows.
Goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life;
I will dwell in the house of the Lord
for the length of my days.
GospelLc 17, 11-19
At that time,
Jesus, on his way to Jerusalem,
traveled through the region between Samaria and Galilee.
As he entered a village,
ten lepers came to meet him.
They halted at a distance
and called out to him:
"Jesus, Master,
have mercy on us."
at this, Jesus said to them:
"Go and show yourselves to the priests."
As they went, they were cleansed.
One of them, seeing that he was healed,
came back, praising God in a loud voice.
He fell on his face at the feet of Jesus
giving him thanks.
Now, he was a Samaritan.
Then Jesus spoke, saying:
"Were not all ten cleansed?
Where are the other nine?
Was no one found among them but this foreigner
to return
and give glory to God!"
And Jesus said to him:
"Rise and go;
your faith has saved you."
– Let us acclaim the word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org