Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 34)
R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
When the just cry out, the LORD hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111125.cfm
Saint Martin (316-397) was a man of war who was converted and became an instrument of peace and reconciliation. He was the first non-martyr to be recognized as a saint. Today is Armistice Day that ended the First World War at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. Today’s photo is of my great uncle Charlie Goetting who was gassed in the trench warfare of the First World War and died of his injuries. Today’s video is a clip from the chilling anti-war film, All Quiet on the Western Front (1930). https://youtu.be/fHuNQER_8rI?si=k2OwT0hr9ieGiRyb
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Saint Martin of Tours, November 11
