Feast of St. Martin of Tours
Today, we remember the veterans.
Not just their battles—but their tears.
Tears for brothers lost.
Tears for memories that never fade.
Tears of love, concern, and quiet courage.
I remember those I’ve ministered to over the years
at the Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home—
men and women whose stories still echo in my heart.
I give thanks for the veterans in my own family:
my father, my stepfather, uncles, cousins—
and you, Clint Culpepper (a veteran soldier, a nurse, and a loving father)
May God’s blessing and the grace of His peace be upon you.
It is a day to also honor St. Martin of Tours—
a soldier who saw Christ in a beggar.
He cut his cloak in half,
and Christ wore it in glory.
That’s the mystery:
when we give what we can,
even if we’re still learning,
even if we’re still broken—
Christ receives it.
Scripture says:
“The souls of the just are in the hand of God,
and no torment shall touch them.”
They may seem forgotten,
but they are held.
They may seem punished,
but their hope is full of immortality.
Jesus reminds us:
“When you’ve done all you were commanded, say,
‘We are unprofitable servants.
We’ve done what we were obliged to do.’”
That’s the heart of a veteran.
That’s the humility of a saint.
That’s the rhythm of the Gospel.
So today, let us honor those who served—
not with fanfare,
but with faith.
Not with empty praise,
but with holy remembrance.
Let us see Christ in their stories.
Let us carry their cloak.
And let us say, with love:
You are not forgotten.
You are in the hand of God.
You are at peace.
A Prayer for Veterans and Saints
Lord of mercy,
thank You for those who serve with courage and love.
Bless our veterans with peace,
and receive their tears as holy offerings.
May we see Christ in every act of compassion,
and walk humbly in Your light.
Amen.
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