Homily: Feast of St. Martin of Tours
Feast of St. Martin of Tours (Lk:26-37) “Trauma Often Feeds Faith”
The Feast of St. Martin of Tours always falls on Veterans Day. This seems apropos since Martin of Tours is one of the soldier saints. There were any number of saints who began their lives as soldiers. We can think of more popular saints like Francis of Assisi and Ignatius Loyola. Francis went off to war and was captured and had to be ransomed. Ignatius was wounded in battle. He had a weakened leg for the rest of his life.
I have never been to war so I cannot speak to how veterans’ lives are changed by what they endure. It has always struck me that in times past many veterans came away from battle with a deepened faith life.
When I was younger, there were numerous priests in the Diocese of Peoria who were veterans. After WWII there was a boom in vocations. Many priests seemed to make almost make a bargain with God saying that they would dedicate their lives to the spread of the Gospel if they survived and were able to go home.
I think of priests like Msgr. James Campbell. He was a decorated soldier in WWII. His scars were physical. He had half a thumb on one hand, and he had a couple of ribs removed. As young man he stood six feet tall, but he shrank because of injuries until he was only five feet six. He joked about how small he was, but I am sure he suffered greatly. He was able to help others who had endured physical and mental trauma.
I also think of priests like Fr. George Wuelner and Fr. Richard Mullens. Fr. Wuellner was a decorated navy officer who fought in the battle for Guam and on Iwo Jima. He won two bronze stars and a purple heart. Fr. Mullen served in the Navy as medic. He saw the ravages of war firsthand. It influenced him to enter the priesthood.
These two men never mentioned their war time experiences nor did they brag of their bravery. They never talked about it, but they channeled the feelings they had into their dedication to Christ and his church. Many times, trauma and suffering leads people into great holiness. That is where it led St. Martin.
1. Have I known a soldier saint? Who was it?
2. Would I agree that suffering leads to holiness? Why or why not?
Dear Parishioners,
Do any of you feel a call to do hospital ministry. Trinity Hospital has not had extraordinary ministers visiting the sick for almost two years, but now they are going to resume offering this. When someone is sick, as we know, this is a time of great vulnerability. It is a time when they are open to hearing about the Gospel. Quite often it is a time of personal conversion. That is why hospital ministry is so important.
If you think that you might be drawn to this ministry, please let the office know or let me know. Even if you are not an extraordinary minister you might be able to become one and serve the sick. Visiting the sick is a corporal work of mercy.
May Our Lady watch over our world today,
Fr. Mark