Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Anthony,
Abb. (17th January, 2020) on the Gospel and the Memorial
(Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
(II))
1Sam 8:4-7.10-22;
Ps 88:16-19 (R. cf. v.2);
Mk 2:1-12.
Saint Anthony was born about the year 260AD in Egypt.
When his parents died, he gave his inheritance to the poor, and went into the
desert, where he lived a life of penance. Many came to follow him, and he is
known as the father of monks. He supported those who suffered for the faith
under the persecutions of Diocletian, and helped Saint Athanasius in his fight
against the Arians. He died in 356.[1]
Topic: Catch Jesus’ attention.
On Jesus return to Capernaum in today’s gospel, so many
gathered that there was no longer room for them, even in front of the door; and
Jesus was speaking the word to them. It was at that point that some men brought
a paralysed man to Jesus. And since they could not gain access through the door
because of the crowd, they removed the roof, dug through it, and lowered the
paralytic on the mat he laid.
Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic: “Son, your
sins are forgiven” which caused questioning among the scribes. He later said to
the man, “I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home”. The gospel
reads further “And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out
before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We
have never seen anything like this!’” (Mk
2:11, 12).
Imagine what would have happened if the men who brought the
paralysed man stopped on their way because of the crowd or any other reason. In
the same vein, you may have done much yet without any positive result. Do not
lose hope. Try the roof with faith. Even your enemies will be amazed and
glorify God when you catch Jesus’ attention. Jesus is coming soon. Hold fast so
that no one may seize your crown, cf. Rev
3:11.
Bible Reading: Ps 116.
Thought for today: You have no reason to lose faith.
Let us pray: Lord, help us keep our faith in the
face of all challenges – Amen.
Saint Anthony – Pray for us.
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