Today is a day of remembrance in our country as we honour those who died while seeking to serve and protect, and as we grieve for all who perish in the human curse of warfare. We remember, and we pray for peace.
We also remember, this day, one saint, Martin of Tours. A soldier, he is reported to have sliced his officer’s cloak to give half to a shivering blind beggar. Realizing that he had seen Christ in that beggar, Martin went on to become a bishop, serving particularly the poor and those in prison.
We remember that on this day in 1483, Hans and Margarethe Luther brought their infant to be baptized, naming him for the saint of the day. Thus, with Martin Luther’s baptism, we remember our own.
In our reading, we remember Hannah, who prayed for honour among women in bearing a child. God granted her prayer, but Hannah is also remembered as a woman of strong faith, courage, dedication, perseverance and commitment. In her great song, Hannah sings of a new order in which “the bows of the mighty are broken” (1Samuel 2:4) and the poor are raised up from the dust. We remember Hannah and sing with her that her hope may become ours.
On this day, O God, we remember those who gave of themselves for others as you have given of yourself for us in Christ. Amen. — LDK