His Word Today: Saint Anthony

Anthony the Abbot
by Francesco de Zurbarán (c. 1640)

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Anthony the Great (otherwise known as Saint Anthony of the Desert, Saint Anthony of Egypt, Saint Anthony the Abbot and Saint Anthony the Anchorite).  Born on 12 January 251, he is revered among the Desert Fathers and among all those who have followed the tradition of monasticism in the Church.  He died on 17 January 356 and was instantly revered as a saint.

Saint Anthony of Egypt is often appealed to against infectious diseases, especially skin diseases.  Perhaps it is fitting that today's gospel passage recounts the story of Jesus' encounter with a leper who knelt at his feet and asked: If you wish, you can make me clean (Mk 1:40).  This act of courage has been repeated on countless other occasions as others have asked Saint Anthony to intercede on their behalf, asking God to make them clean.  As he did with that man, Jesus always responds to our prayers with the same reply: I do will it, be made clean (Mk 1:41).

Those of us who suffer from various skin diseases can still present our prayers to the Lord, and we can ask Saint Anthony to intercede on our behalf.  Imagine the joy that was on the face of that leper as he heard Jesus' response to his question.  The same can be ours if we dare to present our prayers to the Lord; he will always reply: I do will it.

Have a great day.