SATURDAY WEEK 10 OF ORDINARY TIME
YEAR II
MEMORIAL OF ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA
I KINGS 19:19-21, Matthew 5:33-37
There are many people whose life
is that of contradiction. They say one thing and do the other. They appear very
innocent and perfect, but their hearts
are full of mischievous intents. As Christians, we are called to live a
truthful and transparent life. Many of us do not only lie about the things we
do, we win the sentiments of others by swearing in God's name. We hear phrases
like "True to God", "I swear to God", or "God is my
witness", and the likes. Many of such people if investigated will be found
to be blatantly lieing. In the gospel reading of today, we hear Jesus warn us
about living a double standard life. We should be true to ourselves and not
swear to win our cases. According to Jesus, words of an upright man are taken
sacrosanct, he does not need to swear to validate his words. This is why we are
told today that if we are true to ourselves, we would only say YES or NO. There
would be no other necessary words, no need to swear. It is also important to
live a very straightforward life. You cannot say YES in public and start living
a life of NO in private. You cannot say YES to an issue, go behind and say that
you actually meant NO. Your YES should be YES, and your NO should be NO.
This was the type of life St
Anthony of Padua lived. As an Augustinian Monk, he was inspired by the brave
witness of the gospel and acceptance of Martyrdom by some Franciscan Frairs in
Morocco. Desiring to be like them, he joined them and went to Morocco too,
though his stay was cut short by illness. He met St Francis of Assisi during
the Franciscan general chapter and was inspired by his life. He also went to
Northern Italy and Southern France to preach the gospel, but he came back to
Padua where he became an outstanding preacher and model of the Christian faith.
Those who know him testify to his saintly life. He was never afraid to condemn
evils both in private and public. His shrine became a centre of pilgrimage
after his death, and he is blessed with the grace of interceeding for lost
articles to be found. Children, treasures, and articles which were lost have
been recovered through his intercession. We learn from him today to remain
focused and straightforward in whatever we do. God help us.
St Anthony of Padua, pray for us.
Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP
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