Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Readings
First Scripture Reading
1 Kings 18: 41-46
Gospel Reading
Matthew 5: 20-26

Opening Prayer

God of Holiness, it is wonderful and frightening to get immersed in Your love. As in the time of Elijah, You end the drought and flood us with your presence. In Jesus, we no longer live in the arid desert of isolation from You. You are living water. It is refreshing to be drenched and soaked through by Your powerful love. I love to splash in the puddles of Your presence. Yet, once washed and bathed in Christ, You expect so much! You heighten the measure of what You expect of us. Beyond murder, we cannot even rashly judge and abusively speak of others! You will not tolerate anything which diminishes, destroys or demeans any of Your children. Do You understand how difficult that is for us? The power and presence of Your Spirit is the only energy that makes Your expectations possible. Flood us again today with a deluge of Your fiery, life-giving Spirit.

View Scripture on USCCB Website
×