REFLECTION FOR THE MEMORIAL OF ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA/ TUESDAY OF 10TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR I. (2)
REFLECTION FOR THE MEMORIAL OF ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA/ TUESDAY OF 10TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR I.
THEME: SPREAD THE GOSPEL.
BY: Fr Francis Onwunali.
We celebrate today the Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua, priest and doctor of the Church. Born at Lisbon,
REFLECTION FOR THE MEMORIAL OF ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA/ TUESDAY OF 10TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR I.
THEME: SPREAD THE GOSPEL.
BY: Fr Francis Onwunali.
We celebrate today the Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua, priest and doctor of the Church. Born at Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195; he first entered the Canons Regular of St. Augustine, but after ordination, joined the Friar Minor. He had exceptional talent as a preacher, and was sent throughout Italy and France to preach against the Catharist heresy (Dualism). He was the first theologian of the Franciscan Order. Popular as Patron of recovery of lost items. He died in Padua in 1231.
“Since the whole Church is missionary, and the work of evangelization is a basic duty of the People of God, this sacred synod invites all to a deep interior renewal; so that, having a vivid awareness of their own responsibility for spreading the Gospel, they may do their share in missionary work among the nations” (Ad Gentes 35). We are bearers of GoodNews!
In the first reading (2 Cor 1: 18-22), St. Paul instructs the Corinthians that God is always positive in His dealings. God is God of “yes”, and not “yes” and “no” at the same time. In responding to God’s demands on us, it should always be a “yes” attitude. Jesus is the perfect “Yes” in responding to God’s will. All of us configured to Christ through baptism are to be Christ-like in our response. Where am I in this?
In the gospel (Matt. 5: 13-16), Jesus tells His disciples that they are the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world”. We should enhance the flavour of other people’s lives and enlighten their life journey. Do I leave a bitter taste in people’s lives, thereby casting darkness and gloom over them?
Dear friends, we are called to be the aroma of Christ to those saved and those perishing; to be a fragrance to those who are dead in the spirit and those alive (cf. 2Cor. 2: 15-16). Do you allow the fragrance of Christ’s love to permeate every area of your life, your thoughts, words, actions and relationships?
I pray as we journey in life today, we will realize that we are called to be ambassadors of God’s love, forgiveness and honesty. The life we live should be enough gospel to transform those who we encounter. May we add fragrant taste and bring brightness to those who come our way. Have a glamour-full day!
@Fr Francis Onwunali
FOR MORE HOMILIES CLICK >>>>>
