Memorial of St. Anthony of the Desert (1/17/23)

January 17, 2023

Saint of the Day 

St. Anthony the Hermit, also known as Anthony of Egypt or Anthony the Great, is a Christian saint who is considered the father of monasticism. He was born in 251 AD in Egypt and was the first person to live as a hermit in the Christian tradition. He is remembered for his deep devotion to God and his ascetic lifestyle, which included fasting, prayer, and solitude in the desert. His example of monasticism was very influential and many others followed in his footsteps, including St. Paul the First Hermit and St. Pachomius. St. Anthony is venerated as a saint by the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican churches, and his feast day is celebrated on January 17th.

Scripture

Hebrews 6:10-12 is  reminding the readers, who were likely Jewish converts to Christianity, that God is just and will reward those who remain faithful and diligent in their service to Him. It encourages them to persevere and to not become lazy or complacent in their faith.

This passage is emphasizing the importance of perseverance in the face of trials and temptations, and the promise of a reward for those who remain faithful to God. It encourages the readers to imitate the examples of faithful believers in the past, and to not become discouraged or complacent in their own faith.

Mark 2:23-28 is a passage from the Bible in which Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees for eating with sinners. The Pharisees question Jesus' actions, asking why he eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners. In response, Jesus tells a parable about a man who found a lost sheep and rejoiced over it, and compares himself to a doctor who came to heal the sick. He then states that it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. In other words, Jesus is explaining that he came to offer salvation to those who are in need of it, rather than to those who already consider themselves righteous.

Themes

A common theme between these passages is the idea of salvation and redemption. Mark 2:23-28 is emphasizing that Jesus came to save people, while Hebrews 6:10-12 is emphasizing that salvation is achieved through faith and perseverance. Both passages also encourage the readers to imitate the examples of faithful believers in the past, and to not become discouraged or complacent in their own faith.

Haiku

Jesus came to save,
Perseverance brings reward,
Faithful we will be.

Desert hermit, sage,
Saint Anthony's wisdom shines,
Guiding light for all.

Limerick

Hebrews chapter six verse ten to twenty
Talks about God's promise, so plenty
And in Mark chapter two
We see Jesus break through
The rules, to the people he'll be a plenty.

There once was a monk named St. Anthony
In the desert, he lived alone and lonely
He prayed and he fasted
His soul was amassed
And now he's a saint, oh so holy!

Reflection

Today's readings from Hebrews and Mark remind us of the importance of faith and the power of God's Word. In Hebrews, we are urged to "press on to maturity" in our faith, not becoming "sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." In Mark, Jesus teaches that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, and that he is Lord of the Sabbath.

As we remember St. Anthony of Egypt, we are reminded of the strength and perseverance of faith. Anthony, known as the "Father of Monasticism," lived in the desert for over 20 years, facing temptation and trial, but remaining steadfast in his devotion to God. He teaches us that true faith requires sacrifice and struggle, but through these trials, we can inherit the promises of God.

May we be like St. Anthony, pressing on in our faith, imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. And let us remember that our faith should always be centered on God and not human traditions. May the example of St Anthony inspire us to deeper faith and devotion to God.

Popular posts from this blog

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (2/12/23)

2/12/2023 Write an expository homily for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time using these scripture passages: Sirach 15:15-20; Psalms 119:1-2.4-5.17-18.33-34; 1 Corinthians 2:6-10; Matthew 5:17-37; while cross-referencing the Fathers of the Church, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the writings of recent popes throughout. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today's readings remind us of the importance of following God's commandments and living a life of holiness. In the first reading from Sirach, we are told that if we keep the commandments, our path will be like a shining light and our future will be like a peaceful day. This is because God's commandments lead us to a life of love and compassion, and bring us closer to God himself. In the Psalm, we are called to meditate on God's laws and to keep them in our hearts. The psalmist recognizes that God's laws are a source of joy and happiness, and that by keeping them, we can avoid the dangers of sin and temptati...
Read more

Third Sunday of Lent (3/12/2023)

Write an expository homily for the Third Sunday of Lent using these scripture passages: Ex 17:3-7;Rom 5:1-2,5-8;Jn 4:5-42 ; while cross-referencing the Fathers of the Church, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the writings of recent popes throughout.  My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we gather together on this Third Sunday of Lent, we are reminded of the great love that God has for us. In our readings today, we hear about God's care and compassion for us, and we are called to turn towards Him with open hearts and minds. The first reading today from the Book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites wandering in the desert and complaining to Moses about their thirst. God then provided water for them from a rock. This story reveals God's care for His people, even when they doubt and complain. The Fathers of the Church, such as St. John Chrysostom, taught that this water from the rock was a prefiguration of the spiritual refreshment that Christ offers us thro...
Read more

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (1/29/23)

Write an expository homily for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time using these scripture passages: Zephaniah 2:3;3:12-13; Psalms 146:6-7,8-9,9-10; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; and Matthew 5:1-12a; and cross-referencing the Catechism of the Catholic Church throughout. Today's readings remind us that true happiness comes not from worldly success or power, but from humility and trust in God. In the first reading, the prophet Zephaniah urges the people to seek righteousness and humility, for only then will they be protected by God. The Psalmist echoes this message, praising God as the defender of the oppressed and the provider for the needy. In the second reading, Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are not wise or powerful in themselves, but are made so by God's call and grace. And in the Gospel, Jesus teaches the Beatitudes, which present the path to true happiness and blessedness. The Catechism teaches us that the Beatitudes are at the heart of Jesus' preaching and that they exp...
Read more