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Today we celebrate Veterans Day and give thanks for the many men and women of our armed forces. And let’s not forget the chaplains who serve those who wear the uniform!
Coincidentally, November 11 is also the day we remember St. Martin of Tours. Martin, who was born in 313 AD, grew up in a military family. He himself joined the Roman cavalry at age 15, and as the story goes, he was on a mission traveling through Gaul (France) when he happened upon a beggar who was wet and cold. Martin, moved to pity, used his sword to cut in half his cape, and gave half to the beggar. That night Martin had a dream that the beggar was none other than Jesus. The passage of scripture that comes to mind is, “Whatever you did to the least of these, you did for Me" (Matthew 25:40). Martin of Tours is remembered as being the first chaplain.
Did I mention that the word chaplain originates from the Latin word cappellanus, which means cloak or cape? Chaplains today, like Martin, practice self-sacrifice among those who need the warmth of Christ’s Gospel while in the most difficult of situations. The Order of Martin of Tours is the highest honor a chaplain can receive.
Jesus tells of His return when He will give every Christian man or woman, boy or girl, the highest honor of all. As one of His chaplains who serve through your everyday life, He will declare of you, "Come, you who are blessed by My Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me" (Matthew 25:34-36).
Why will Jesus speak these words to you? Because He has placed everything He has into your heart. You operate with His compassion and His actions, and His love. He doesn’t hold anything back. You have it all in abundance. Maybe this is a good day to share some of this with a veteran.
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