Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Wednesday Week 31 Ordinary time - November 11, 2020

WEDNESDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2020 32ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II MEMORIAL OF ST. MARTIN OF TOURS Titus 3:1-7, Luke 17:11-19 TAKE PITY ON THE WEAK St Martin was from a very noble home, his father was a soldier and he took up the career too like his father. Though a soldier, he had a very soft spot for the weak, poor and needy. He could not watch others suffer if he had the means to help them. A story is told of how he was walking on the way and he saw a man shivering in cold, he tore his garment into two and gave one part to the man. At night, Jesus appeared to him in a dream wearing the garment. Martin later left the army and started living as a monk, following St Hillary. He was later ordained a priest and then made the bishop of Tours. In his work, he showed what it means to be a father and shepherd. He served with utmost humility, always looking for avenues to alleviate human suffering. It Is not surprising that he is the first saint to be venerated in the western church who did not die as a martyr. He saw the people as his own. This is also what we see in the gospel reading of today, Jesus had pity on the lepers and healed them, even when he knew that they would not come back to thank him. It is very important that we help people when we can. Many people have encountered Jesus by helping others; they may not come back to say thank you. God help us. Amen. Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP