I recently made a new friend in St. Martin de Porres. His supernatural faith and many charismatic gifts and abilities have led me to enjoy learning more about his life; however, it is his insurmountable charity that has brought me to a place of great repentance before the Lord.

St. Martin was a Peruvian who entered a Dominican Order at a young age. His life became a testament, not only to the poor he served without ceasing, but also to nobles and the laymen and priests with whom he lived. His wisdom and gifting were so profound that in one sense, he didn’t need the gifts of others, but in his understanding of true charity, he humbly received the good that God had placed in others to give in service. St. Catherine of Siena talks of this being necessary so that “the light and magnificence of sweet Truth are shown to be infinite.”

Reflecting on this aspect of his life has given me pause. In my own desire to serve, I often stunt opportunities for God to be increasingly magnified through others loving and serving me. St. Martin de Porres has served as a crucial reminder for me that nothing done in the spiritual life can be done in complete isolation. To climb the mountain of sanctity, it is not only important but necessary to accept the hands that seek to help lift us up.

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