THE FEAST OF ST ANTHONY OF PADUA, OFM DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.
Feast of St Anthony of Padua, OFM & DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.
"Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” So Ahab went up to eat and drink, while Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, crouched down to the earth, and put his head between his knees.
“Climb up and look out to sea,” he directed his servant, who went up and looked, but reported, “There is nothing.”
"Seven times he said, “Go, look again!” And the seventh time the youth reported, “There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.”
"Elijah said, “Go and say to Ahab, ‘Harness up and leave the mountain before the rain stops you.’” In a trice the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and a heavy rain fell. Ahab mounted his chariot and made for Jezreel.
"But the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, who girded up his clothing and ran before Ahab as far as the approaches to Jezreel." (1 Kings 18: 41 - 46).
Thursday 13th June 2024 of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Anthony of Padua. (1195 to 1231)
Priest and Doctor of the Church. St Anthony of Padua was a Franciscan friar who was filled with the Holy Spirit and faith and was never discouraged by setbacks in the ministry the Lord entrusted him. His preaching ministry took him from North Africa to Italy and France. He is known as the Evangelical Doctor because he based all his teaching and preaching on the Gospel. Anthony was reputed to have memorized the entire Bible.
St Anthony is renowned also as a ready helper in difficult cases. Some years ago, Microsoft seized one of my Internet properties. I did everything to get it back but no success. Then I had the inspiration to pray to St Anthony of Padua and within a few hours I got back the asset. St Anthony is called the Hammer of Heretics.
Our reflection on God’s word today is from the first Reading (I Kings 18: 41 - 46).
What is the consoling truth in this message?
"Seven times he said, “Go, look again!” And the seventh time the youth reported, “There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.”
One of the greatest mistakes with regard to Prayer is to ask God for a favor once and turn away if the request is not granted immediately.
In Gethsemane, Jesus Christ the Son of God prayed THREE TIMES. IT WAS AFTER THE THIRD TIME HE ROSE FROM PRAYER ASSURED THAT THE FATHER HAS HEARD HIS PRAYER.
THE Woman that confronted the Unjust Judge in Luke 18, asked for justice several times before she got it. Jesus our Teacher in Prayer praised her.
Elijah the Prophet knew very well this principle of Prayer when he said to his servant:
“Go, look again!” And the seventh time the youth reported, “There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.”
This is the word I need to hear today as I struggle with God over a big favor.
The Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in June.
Four of the twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to Christians who honor His Sacred Heart are:
1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
2. I will give peace in their families.
3. I will console them in all their troubles.
4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of death.
The Holy Catholic Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus every June.
Read of the abundant promises made to people who honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially in June.
For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below.
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