Yet, through prayer and determined effort, we can receive the living waters of God’s grace and change things for the better. We can learn the art of giving, engage in acts of service, and reach out to others. Just as Prisca and Aquila risked everything, we too can rise above our inclinations and offer a helping hand to the afflicted. We can welcome calls from fellow addicts when they are in need, and we can devote time to listening to their struggles.

Our great saint today, Saint Martin of Tours, serves as a radiant example of charity and faith in action. His life of prayer and contemplation laid the foundation for his miraculous works of healing and salvation. Despite wanting to be a monk, Saint Martin joined the Roman army and rose to the rank of officer in the Imperial army. He was boldly defiant, however, when required to engage in unjust warfare and told his commanding officer that he would, instead, stand in the front lines and face the enemy without a weapon, armor, or helmet. The commander insisted that Saint Martin do exactly this and on the morning of the battle, the enemy, instead of charging, came quietly across the line to seek terms for peace. 

This miracle was a turning point for Saint Martin and he eventually found his way to the spiritual and monastic life of prayer he desired. This story resonates with our own struggle to confront the adversities of addiction head-on. Eventually, as a bishop, Saint Martin evangelized and converted thousands across the land, not hesitating to destroy pagan temples and idols along the way.

Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel reading remind us not only to use our wealth to assist others and build the family community of the Church, but that God considers the idols that humans worship (money, fame, power, and and our addictive substances) to be “an abomination” (Luke 16:15). As Saint Martin destroyed the pagan temples that kept people enslaved to falsehood, so we also must dismantle the idols that would enslave us and lead us back to the misery of active addiction.

Let us remember our Confirmation aspiration to become “soldiers for Christ” as we reflect on the great spiritual warrior, Saint Martin of Tours, and rejoice in the victories that God gives to those who fight spiritual battles on His behalf.

Reflection Questions

• What obstacles do you face in supporting the community of believers around you?
• How have idols or attachments been an obstacle in your relationship with God?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Romans 16:3-9, 16, 22-27
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:2-3, 4-5, 10-11
Gospel: Luke 16:9-15

Reflection by Bill B.