Mass Readings and Reflections on Monday for Memorial of St. Martin de Porres

First Reading: (Romans 11:29–36)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 69)

Response: In your great mercy, answer me, O Lord.

Gospel: (Luke 14:12–14)

Reflection

Today’s Gospel is one of those difficult ones. We sinners love to tell others how kind and charitable we are. I like to reflect frequently on my own life every day, my life itself as a gift, my experiences, including my education, and my ability to have been able to leave my little village for a massive country in North America.

We all know it is good to be charitable, and we believe that charity leads us to heaven. Yet today’s Gospel challenges us to look deeper: Is our charity truly selfless?

Jesus teaches that true charity is not transactional. It is not about returning a favor received or giving in anticipation of something in return. When we give with the hope of being repaid, whether through recognition, invitation, or gratitude, our charity loses its purity. It becomes self-interest disguised as generosity.

Many times, we give but with hidden motives:

• to maintain status,

• to earn favor,

• to remind others of what they “owe” us,

• or to keep control over those we help.

But God’s charity is different. As St. Paul reminds us, God’s love is freely given, not because we were deserving, but because He chose to love us. “Who has given God anything that He should repay?” asks Paul. The answer is: no one.

God gives simply because it is good to give. And that is what Jesus calls us to imitate.

Charity becomes true when:

• it expects nothing in return, not even thanks;

• it gives even when it hurts;

• it helps those who cannot repay, “the poor, the blind, the lame.”

Jesus Himself gave His all on the Cross, holding nothing back. That is the model of perfect charity.

St. Martin de Porres Feast Today

St. Martin de Porres, born in Lima, Peru (1579), was the son of a Spanish nobleman and a freed African woman. As a Dominican lay brother, he dedicated his life to caring for the sick, the poor, and even animals. Known as Martin the Charitable, he healed without discrimination, rich or poor, black or white, friend or stranger.

He gave not for reward, but out of love. His humility and selfless service made him a true reflection of Christ’s mercy. He died in 1639 at the age of 60 and is the patron saint of African Americans, barbers, and social justice. St. Martin de Porres, Pray for us-Amen!!

God bless you, and have a wonderful day.

-Pal Ronnie-