FRIDAY OF THE TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (I)
Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Celebration: St. Anthony of Padua (Priest and Doctor of the Church *1195 +1231). Born in Lisbon, Portugal. A Franciscan, he was known for his profound knowledge of theology and for his power of convincing. His preaching carried him from the north of Africa to Italy and France. He is known as the Evangelical Doctor because he based all that he said on the texts of the Gospels. He died in Padua.
Table of the Word
First Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Gospel: Matthew 5:27–32
Theme: We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;...
Reflection
On the feast of St. Anthony of Padua, the great Franciscan preacher and Doctor of the Church, we are reminded that Christian life is often marked by trials, both personal and communal. Yet as Paul writes in the furst reading avers: "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed..." (2 Corinthians 4:8)
These words echo profoundly in the life and legacy of St. Anthony, who endured hardship in his short life ranging from illness, long travel, the challenge of evangelizing hardened hearts, and even the burden of great spiritual responsibility. Yet he never let adversity extinguish his faith or his mission.
St. Anthony's strength came from union with Christ, who was himself afflicted and crucified, yet victorious. In this way, Anthony embodied the mystery Paul speaks of: suffering that does not destroy, but transforms. His tireless preaching, deep prayer life, and unwavering compassion made him a source of healing for others even after his death, as thousands turn to him in times of loss or need.
However, for us this image speaks volumes: we are fragile, imperfect, vulnerable yet God has chosen to place His treasure (grace, truth, the Gospel) within us. In a world that glorifies strength, beauty, and independence, Paul reminds us that God works powerfully through weakness and humility.
This resonates deeply on the memorial of St. Anthony of Padua, a humble Franciscan whose eloquence, depth of Scripture knowledge, and love for the poor made him a true vessel of God's wisdom. Despite his early death, his legacy endures, not just as the “Finder of Lost Things,” but as a Doctor of the Church, one who brought light and truth to countless souls through his preaching and example.
To buttress this, Jesus called us in the gospel pericope to a life of purity which Evangelist Matthew beautifully present (cf. Matthew 5:27–32). Here Christ is not condemning desire itself, but calling for integrity of heart, for our intentions to match our actions. This is not legalism, but love purified by grace as exemplified in the life of St. Anthony, a man of deep inner purity who in turn reminds us that holiness is not about outward performance but inward transformation; that is becoming a vessel cleansed for the Master’s use.
Finally, as we celebrate this great man of faith whose sanctity of life challenges us let us hold firm to God and making effort to keep to the detect and ordinances of God. + Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 13062025
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