The Blessed Martins
I really enjoy saints’ days and the opportunity to reflect on the mighty warriors of old, the men and women of faith and trust in Christ our Savior. Of course we do not pray to them, but neither must we ever forget them. For in remembering we thank God for the gifts He gave to them, and to us through them. We imitate their faith and their virtues. We learn of the way of the cross through their example and we are encouraged by them as we run the race set out before us. Now, if this is all true, why do I only rarely have something to say on a day set aside to honor and remember one of the saints in particular? Well, because Aardvark Alley always does such a nice job anything I would have to add would be redundant!
Happy Martin Chemnitz’ day, and … happy Martin Luthers’ birthday! Chemnitz was born on November 9 and Luther on November 10.
Rev. McCain, I agree with you on the worth of the Church’s liturgical commemoration of saints. I think it is a crucial and presently underappreciated aspect of the church year. Commenting on the saints faithfully and intelligently, however, is never redundant. It is always worth the effort. Regarding Aardvark Alley, I confess ignorance as to the identity of its blogger; nevertheless I appreciate very much his comments and attention to such commemorations. At the same time I would make one cordial comment, though not aimed at either you or the Aardvard blogger in particular, viz., I do not get how either 9 or 10 November got to be saints’ days. These two days are the days of the births of BML & Chemnitz into this world. Their liturgical commemoration, however, ought to fall on the day of their dormition in Christ. For Luther it is 18 Feb of course, and for Chemnitz it is 18 April. One more quick point: the namesake for both men is the great 4th century bishop of Tours, and student of Hilary, whose feast day is indeed tomorrow, the 11th. He was the original Martin.
McCain: Good question. I’ve got no idea. Would have to ask Weedon aboutthat detail. Both Martins were named Martin because of Martin of Tours, the day on which Luther was baptized.
I first thought the title of this post was “The Blessed Martinis” which made me a bit thirsty, but then I read closer. I share a birthday with Martin Chemnitz, so that must warrant a Martini, albeit a day late.