Optional Memorial of Saint Martin de Porres, religious
Jesus wants the Pharisees to see that there is no contradiction between the commandment to rest on the sabbath and the relief He brings to those suffering on that day. Today’s saint, a Dominican brother from Peru likewise wanted those around Him to know the great need for charity, and that it is always proper for the Christian to show love. Saint Martin (1579-1639) was so moved by the suffering he saw, that even small animals would receive care from him. Testimonies from his lifetime attest to him miraculously bilocating in order to be of service. He would even bring the poor and homeless to take his own room in the Dominican house while he would sleep on the floor in the hallway outside the room. When others objected he reminded them of what St. Paul teaches about the fruits of the Holy Spirit in the letter to the Galatians (5:22-23), and he would simply say, “Against charity there is no law.” May St. Martin pray for us that we would seek to be heroic in the love we show to those in need, those for whom Christ did not spare even His own life.