The storiesVIII / IX
Saint Martin and the false Christ
A shining figure in purple and gold told Martin it was Christ. Martin asked to see the wounds of the Cross.
Trier, and a cell at Marmoutier
At the emperor’s table in Trier, Maximus sends his cup to Martin first, as an honour.
Martin drinks, then hands it to his own priest. Not back to the emperor.
Another night, alone in his cell, a figure appears: purple robe, gold crown, gold shoes, light everywhere.
“I am Christ,” it says. Martin says nothing. It says it again.
“I will not believe Christ has come unless I see him bearing the marks of the Cross.”
The light went out. No scars, no Christ.
Margin noteHe told me this one himself.
From the book
Chapter XXIV · The false Christs in Hispania and the Devil dressed as Emperor: “I will not recognise Christ without the marks of the Cross”
As it happens, it was noticed that in those same years there appeared in Hispania a young man who, after winning fame among the people with various wonders, became so puffed up…
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