The Collect for the Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor:
“Almighty ever-living God, who gave Saint Anthony of Padua to your people as an outstanding preacher and an intercessor in their need, grant that, with his assistance, as we follow the teachings of the Christian life, we may know your help in every trial. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.”
Reflection
St. Anthony lived in the 1200s in Portugal, France, and Italy. He was known for his skilled preaching and teaching. He also once experienced the miracle of being able to hold the baby Jesus, which is why his images always depict him that way. In our prayer, we start by thanking God for St. Anthony. Ultimately, each of us is a gift from God to others and so we are called to be. St. Anthony greatly helped the Church of the past by his preaching and prayer. But, God also gave St. Anthony to us here and now. As we ask for help in our trials, we are renewing our commitment to follow the teachings of Christ even though many of our trials are caused precisely by that commitment.
So, for your daily contribution to the Church’s collection of prayer,
Reflect on how you respond to difficulty. Does it tempt you abandon the truth or to dig a little deeper and rely on the help of saints like Anthony? Even more than asking him to find lost things, pray for the grace to draw inspiration from his goodness. Then spiritually unite that prayer to all the Masses throughout the world today. That way, when the priest says “Let us pray,” you can be a part of that “us” even if you don’t get to attend Mass.
