Memorial of St. Martin of Tours, Bishop
“Paul, a slave of God and Apostle of Jesus Christ for the sake of the faith of God’s chosen ones…”
How often, when we present ourselves to others, do we mention our slavery to God? I mean just think: “Nice to meet you Joe; my name is Gabriel, slave of God and messenger of Jesus Christ, the One True God for the sake of the salvation of your soul.” It sounds a little silly, and in practical terms, a bit too long. But, it is the truth! As Christians, each of us is supposed to be a slave of God and is called to aid, in however small a way it may be, those we encounter on their way to salvation. So how should we proclaim this truth of what we are, if we do not say it each time that we introduce ourselves? Well, it should be proclaimed by the way that we interact with our neighbor in practical terms.
St. Josemaria Escriva says: “How I wish your bearing and conversation were such that, on seeing or hearing you, people would say: this man reads the life of Jesus Christ.” To read the life of Jesus Christ is one of the best ways to follow Christ’s command to “be on your guard!” and transforms us to be that which He is, “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant [slave]…”
So, let us be on our guard and read the life of Christ. Let us, like St. Paul, proclaim that we are beloved slaves of God, praying and taking actions for the salvation of not only our own souls, but the souls of all our neighbors, by the actions that we make.
Reflection by Gabriel, seminarian
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections