Costly love
11th November 2021
It felt quite poignant meeting today, after the Act of Remembrance earlier, and with the poppies, and the stories of those who lost their lives in the First World War all around us.
Today also happens to be St. Martin’s Day – which is very appropriate. Martin came from Hungary. When he was 15 he was forced to follow his father into the Roman Army. One day he noticed a beggar who was freezing in the cold. He took off his thick army cloak, cut it in half, and wrapped half around the beggar.
That night he dreamed about what had happened, but in his dream the beggar was Jesus. He realised that he was being called to a life of service to the poor. He was baptised, and eventually decided that he couldn’t serve in the army any more: ‘I am Christ’s soldier’ he said, ‘I am not allowed to fight.’ This led to him being put in prison until his period of military service was finished.
Martin became a hermit for a while and then entered a monastery in what is now France. He was made a bishop against his will, but continued to live simply and humbly. ‘Martin’s activism for the poor and love of people was matched by his commitment to solitude and prayer. He developed spiritual communities as places of hospitality for anyone, regardless of background, who sought direction or sanctuary.’
Martin is sometimes called the founder of Chaplaincy – our name comes from him. When he died his torn cloak, called a cappa in Latin, was kept as a holy relic in a building that became known as a cappela – a chapel – looked after by someone called a cappelanus – or chaplain. But really it is the way he lived which is more important as an inspiration – out among the people, welcoming all sorts and trying to serve everyone.
So we remember Martin giving up half of his cloak, and then leaving the army and living a simple life of service. And we remember those whose all those who have been willing to give up their lives for others, and those who still do, in all sorts of ways.
As we remember, we might want to ask ourselves… are there things in our lives which we are being called to share?
Are there needs around us that we feel called to respond to, although it will be costly?
Are there ways that we are being drawn into the movement of God’s self giving love?
- Lord of love, we thank you for Martin, and for those we know who are willing to act out of costly love for the needs of others. Open our eyes to see the needs of those around us, and open our hearts to respond…
- Lord of love, we remember all those who have lost their lives as a result of war and conflict, including those from this college – those whose stories are told here. Teach us to let go of the ways of war and destruction, and to learn the ways of peace…
- Lord of love, we think of the damage that we are doing to our planet, and the effects on the poorest people and on countless living things. Help us give up the ways of living which harm and destroy. Help us to learn from your costly and generous love…