The Collect is taken from the optional memorial of St. Martin de Porres, religious.
Collect: O God, who led Saint Martin de Porres by the path of humility to heavenly glory, grant that we may so follow his radiant example in this life as to merit to be exalted with him in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son…
“O God, who led Saint Martin de Porres by the path of humility to heavenly glory“
— This recalls the verse that “whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Mt 23:12) and offers the concrete example of Martin de Porres in receiving that promise.
“grant that we may so follow his radiant example in this life as to merit to be exalted with him in heaven”
— Now that we recognize that Christ’s word are not just an abstract principle, but a real command which we ought to follow, the Church prays for us to concretely imitate Martin’s example. It even makes the idea of “humbling oneself” more appealing by describing in it’s heavenly sense of being “radiant.”
Advice: Do you brag often or at all? Try to take note of the times that you do this and resolve to cut it down gradually.
Do you shun doing menial tasks or being associated with certain groups of people? Is your pride blinding you to an opportunity to serve or love those in need? Pick a menial task like picking up trash, sweeping the floor (notice the broom in his hand) or cleaning the bathroom and do it as a sign of love for God and neighbor and as a tiny way to practice humility.
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| St. Martin de Porres, pray for us! |