November 11, 1483 was a big day for Hans and Margarette Luther.  Their oldest child was born the day before.  Today, Hans took him to church and he was baptized and given the name, “Martin.”  Why “Martin?”

November 11 was the day the church set aside to remember Martin of Tours.  Martin was born into a pagan family in what is now Hungary about 316 AD.  He grew up in Lombardy, Italy.  He came to the Christian faith as a young person.  His first career was in the Roman army.  But he sensed a call to a life in the church and left the military, becoming a monk.  Eventually he was named bishop of Tours in western Gaul (France).  He lived a simply life and shared the Gospel throughout rural Gaul.  He died November 11.

Prayer:

Lord God of hosts, Your servant Martin embodied the spirit of sacrifice.  Through your grace he became a servant of Christ and defended the catholic faith.  Give us grace to follow in his steps so that when our Lord returns we may be clothed with the baptismal garment of righteousness and peace.  through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 143: 1 & 10, Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my pleas for mercy!  In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness…Teach me to do your will, for you are my God!  Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!