Dear Friends,
The Church in its liturgy celebrates the life of St. Martin de Porres on November 3.
Martin was born of a Spanish father and a former slave of African or Native American heritage. Because of his background, Martin faced no small amount of discrimination and disdain in his native Peru.
Despite his piety, Martin was barred by Peruvian law from becoming a full member of a religious order due to his mixed race.
None of this kept Martin from leading an exceptional life of service to the poor and sick and to his fellow Dominicans, in whose fold he eventually was allowed to become a lay brother.
In many ways, Martin was a model for Catholics in the New World: He treated all races and ethnic groups with the same delicate charity.
His exemplary life holds special inspiration for a world that now finds itself, of all things, riding the tiger of artificial intelligence. We fear losing a grip on the reins, lest AI turn on us and devour us.
Technology can be a great servant but a lousy master. Fears that AI could replace human beings and leave them without meaningful work are real. The Church reminds us that economies should put humans ahead of “efficiency.”
This is where St. Martin’s example comes in. Empathy, not efficiency, guided his actions.
Likewise, our empathy with the poor and marginalized can help us push back against the steamroller logic of a tech-driven world.
In a word, Christian charity is as important as ever.
So, consider spending time to pray about this keystone of the Christian life. Our Retreat Guide on St. Thérèse’s Little Way might be a helpful resource.
And don’t forget to ask St. Martin to help us imitate his example of charity. That’s one virtue AI will never practice.
In Christ,
Father Edward McIlmail, LC
Ask a Priest contributor
