I don’t have any scientific data, but I’m willing to bet that St. Anthony of Padua is in the top ten for people’s intercessory prayers! Whenever we’d lose something in my family, my Mom would tell us to pray to St. Anthony, and we’d find it … and like our friends’ experiences, he had a great track record of success in the Marcham home, resulting in donations to the Franciscans in Boston.
Today, we remember and reflect on the life of St. Anthony and ask for his prayers, not just for what objects we’ve lost, but also for inspiration and the virtue of charity in how we live.
Life of St. Anthony
St. Anthony was born in Portugal in 1195. He became a biblical scholar and joined the Franciscans and was sent to Italy. He was an outstanding preacher who drew great crowds. His ability to preach the Word of God converted many souls.
He died at the age of 36, giving everything he had to win people for God, and was so beloved that he was canonized within a year.
St. Anthony was known to say, “Actions speak louder than words; (something I remember hearing at home quite a bit); let your words teach, and your actions speak.” As someone who likes to talk, I’m glad St. Anthony noted a place for our words while recognizing the power of our actions to move hearts and minds.
Salt and Light
Today’s gospel message speaks of us being salt and light for the world. I think we can understand what Jesus means, but how do we do it? How can we bring salt and light to our families, neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and parishes?
It begins with us doing what St. Paul talks about in saying “yes.” It begins with us saying “yes” to God’s teaching and to His will for us each day. When we can unite our will to God’s, even as we wrestle with the challenges in our lives and the lives of those we love, then we’re free to bring the salt and light that every family and community needs.
Let me give you an example. Recently, I lost my reading glasses on a Friday. My prescription wouldn’t let me buy the drug store off-the-rack kind of readers. So, I called my optometrist, and I could tell they were very busy. Still, he told me to come by after the Holy Hour, and he’d see what he could do. I was so grateful when he made the time to make me a new pair of glasses. When I thanked him, he simply said, “Father, you need to see to be ready for Sunday Mass. I’m glad I could help.”
The optometrist’s words taught me about the reason for his extra effort for me. It wasn’t just that I am a longtime customer; more importantly, it was whom I serve each Sunday that I offer Mass. His act of charity led to his being able to teach me about why he helped me, the deeper reason.
My brothers and sisters, if we want to win souls for Jesus, if we want to know that we are working with God, we can start with acts of charity for those in need … from the smallest act to the biggest things: everything from letting a stressed-out looking person go ahead of you in line at the coffee shop to offering to go with someone to their doctor’s appointment. Then, if someone asks why we did it or thanks us, we can, like St. Anthony and my optometrist, give glory to God in how we respond.
St. Anthony, pray for us!
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