Jun 13 – Memorial for St. Anthony of Padua, priest, religious, doctor
St. Anthony’s (1195-1231) wealthy family wanted him to be a great nobleman, but for the sake of Christ he became a poor Franciscan. When the remains of St. Berard and his companions, the first Franciscan martyrs, were brought to be buried in his church, Anthony was moved to leave his order, enter the Friars Minor, and go to Morocco to evangelize.
Shipwrecked at Sicily, he joined some other brothers who were going to Portiuncula. One day when a scheduled speaker failed to appear, the brothers pressed him into speaking. He impressed them so that he was thereafter constantly travelling, evangelizing, preaching, and teaching theology through Italy and France.
A gifted speaker, he attracted crowds everywhere he went, speaking in multiple tongues. Legend says that even the fish loved to listen. He was a wonder worker. As one of the most beloved saints, his images and statues are found everywhere. He was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1946.
- Patron Saint Index
Is 61:1-13
Lk 10:1-9
“The kingdom of God is very near to you.”
The readings of today are a source of encouragement for me. They remind me that the purpose of the Christian is supposed to be missionary in nature. I am supposed to share the love of Christ, which I have obtained, to the rest of the world. This is indeed very difficult in today’s age, especially since we live in a world surrounded by people who present different elements of truth. St Anthony of Padua is, to me, a role model because he preached the Gospel fearlessly and yet lovingly.
St Anthony had to battle the Cathar heresy during his time on earth. He had to engage in debates and discussions with the heretics. He prevailed against the existing struggles of the time by sharing with the others on the Truth of the Gospel and yet in love. This is a lesson we need to learn in today’s day and age. The sources of half-truths are abundant and these are very difficult to combat; yet, we are called to show the same level of charity to others. This is definitely not as easy as it looks. It requires us to ground ourselves in a life of prayer. This is important because it is the constant communication with God in prayer and understanding his plan for us, which will allow us to exhibit actions which show the love of God to others. When we speak to others about our faith, it should not be about winning an argument, but for us to show them the truth with love.
Let us put aside the desire of showing others that we are right. Instead, let us show them that we remain ready to love them for who they are.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Nicholas Chia)
Prayer: Dear St Anthony, help us to follow your example of love.
Thanksgiving: We give thanks for those who show us that love sometimes is an act not a word.
OXYGEN 
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