Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saint: Saint Anthony the Great, Abbot (251-356)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 3:7-13 Summoning the Brothers for Counsel

Mass: 1 Sm 15:16-23; Resp Ps 50; Mk 2:18-22

To him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.

THE WORD OF GOD IS LIVING AND EFFECTIVE, ABLE TO DISCERN REFLECTIONS AND THOUGHTS OF THE HEART.

(Gospel versicle, Mass)

Today we commemorate Saint Anthony of Egypt, called "The Father of Monks", a great man who, it is said, lived to the age of 105. You can read about him in a biography by Saint Athanasius (296-373), The Life of St Antony. You will learn that, as a young man, Anthony went into a Church when the Gospel was being proclaimed. Anthony heard Jesus' response to the rich young man: If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor-you will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me (Mt 19:21). It occurred to me last night, however, that the young Anthony knew something about Mary's words at the wedding feast at Cana: "Do whatever He tells you" (Jn 2:5). Anthony listened to Mary; he listened to Jesus. The rich young man in the Gospel did not. Come, follow me, says the Lord. 

Our turning aside from the way is not a loss to us only, but a weariness for the angels and for all the saints in Christ Jesus. Our humiliation gives grief to them all, and our salvation gives joy and refreshment to them all.

(Saint Anthony the Great of Egypt)

SAINT ANTHONY THE GREAT,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This one, taken in 2017, while on a day hike at Joshua Tree National Park, with dear KnR, is perfect with Psalm 50:23 and the quotation from Saint Anthony the Great. Some days, things just work out, even on a Monday.

© Gertrude Feick 2022