My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, The readings today, together with the life of the saint we remember, St. Martin de Porres, give us a...
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
The readings today, together with the life of the saint we remember, St. Martin de Porres, give us a clear vision of Christian living, captured in three simple words: Mercy, Magnanimity, and Meal.
First, Mercy. The First Reading from Romans reminds us of the depth of God’s riches, wisdom, and knowledge. God's plan is one of universal mercy—He has "imprisoned all in disobedience that he might have mercy on all." This is the source of our hope! God's love is boundless, extending to all, even the lost. The Gospel gives us the human expression of that divine mercy.
Second, Magnanimity. Jesus tells us today, “When you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” This is a call to magnanimity—greatness of spirit—to invite those who cannot repay us. This is what St. Martin de Porres lived. Born of mixed race, he embraced a life of simple service, working tirelessly for the marginalized. He sought no human reward, only the joy of serving Christ in the poorest of the poor. His charity was great, his spirit vast. He didn't just give leftovers; he gave his whole life.
Third, Meal. The Gospel uses the image of a meal or a banquet. The tables we set here on earth—whether a formal dinner or simply sharing our time and resources—are meant to be a preparation for the eternal banquet, the resurrection of the just. When we show mercy and magnanimity to the poor, we are essentially making friends for the next life. We are securing our place at the Lord’s table.
Let the life of St. Martin de Porres inspire us. Let us not seek return for our good deeds, but follow God’s example of boundless Mercy, live with true Magnanimity of spirit, and turn every moment of sharing into a foretaste of the Heavenly Meal. Amen.
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