The Collect for Pope St. Martin is:
“Grant, almighty God that we may withstand the trials of this world with invincible firmness of purpose, just as you did not allow your Martyr Pope Saint Martin the First to be daunted by threats or broken by suffering. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever..”
Reflection
Pope St. Martin I was the last Pope to be martyred. He was exiled and died from mistreatment and starvation. He vehemently opposed a terrible heresy that was popular at that time: Monotheletism. It said that Jesus does not have a real human will. This undermines the fact that he made decisions as a human being. Thus, it undermines the fact that Jesus actually faced temptation, that his decisions redeem us and are a model for us. Though others could not see it at the time, the Pope knew this was a dangerous error, so he fought against it and suffered and died. In a very direct way, we simply pray for the courage to imitate that example: to put the truth above our own comfort and preference.
So, for your daily contribution to the Church’s collection of prayer,
Take a moment to reflect on the fact that Jesus was tempted. Consider how he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the Cross. His humanity was real and He knows what it means to really submit to God’s will. Then, think of the ways you have your own “agony in the garden” and how you sometimes do not follow Christ’s quick submission. Pray for the grace to follow the example of Christ and rely on His grace to do so. Then spiritually unite that prayer to all the Masses throughout the world today. That way, when the priest says “Let us pray,” you can be a part of that “us” even if you don’t get to attend Mass.
