Martin the soldier

Today is Veteran's Day in America, when we remember those who have served their country in the armed forces. Coincidentally (or maybe not) it is also the feast day of Martin, Bishop of Tours. He was born in what is now Hungary in approximately 330 A.D. He served in the Roman army, then finally settled in France, where he was baptized into the Christian faith. He was ordained priest when he was in his twenties.

Martin tried to live as a hermit, but against his better wishes he was elected Bishop at about the age of forty-two. His reputation was that he was ever the missionary and "staunch defender of the poor and helpless." Martin died in 397.

So our prayers today are reminiscent of those who serve or have served their country in war and peace.

Lord God of hosts, you clothed your servant Martin the soldier with the spirit of sacrifice, and set him as a bishop in your Church to be a defender of the catholic faith: Give us grace to follow in his holy steps, that at the last we may be found clothed with righteousness in the dwellngs of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. [The Book of Common Prayer, 823]


In peace,
Linda+
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Vicar, Holy Cross Church-Episcopal
Billings, MT
406-208-7314
http://www.holycrosschurchbillings.org/