Homily: November 3 - St. Martin de Porres - The Choice

Early in life, St. Martin was presented with a choice: become bitter and complain about his difficult lot or devote himself to good works.  He took the latter route. 

Martin was born in Lima, Peru in 1579 to Spanish conquistador and an African Slave, who were not married.  His father rejected Martin at his birth because of his dark skin, and throughout childhood, Martin was given cruel names like “half-breed”.  Despite the cruelty showed to him, Martin had a heart for the poor and despised. 

St. Martin is the patron saint of barbers, because at the age of 12, his mother, apprenticed him to a barber, who also taught Martin several medical techniques—caring for wounds.

At the age of 15, Martin went to be a “lay helper” to the Dominicans, he did not feel himself worthy to be a full member of the order.  Yet, soon, it was the Dominicans who asked Martin to make full profession as a brother, so moved by Martin’s prayer and penance, his charity and humility.

Martin spent his days caring for the sick and poor, whatever their color, race, or status.  He helped found an orphanage and helped care for slaves newly arrived from Africa. 

He himself lived an extremely simple and austere life and had a great devotion to the Eucharist.  He died at the age of 60, and was immediately venerated as a saintly man.   

At Saint Martin’s Canonization Pope John XXIII said, “he lovingly comforted the sick; he provided food, clothing, and medicine for the poor; he helped, as best he could, farm laborers…and slaves: thus he deserved to be called by the name the people gave him: ‘Martin of Charity.’

We cannot change the circumstances in which we are born.  Many of the challenges, difficulties, sorrows, and trials of life are beyond our control.  But we are each given a choice.  Will I complain and curse God for my life, or will I allow God to teach me, how to love, how to be faithful.

St. Paul said that God encourages us in our afflictions, that we may encourage others when they are afflicted.  Our hardships prepare us to help others facing similar hardships.

As we prayed in the collect, God led Saint Martin “by the path of humility to heavenly glory”, may we “so follow his radiant example in this life as to merit to be exalted with him in heaven” for the glory of God and salvation of souls.