Readings: 1 Kings 19:19-21, Ps. 16:1-2,5,7-10, Matthew 5:33-37
“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” (Matthew 5:37)
The Eighth Commandment teaches us: “Thou shalt not bear false witness.” Telling lies is a disease capable of destroying whole families and even nations. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus teaches us to avoid swearing. Let what you say be ‘yes’ or ‘no’. One way to avoid swearing is by becoming a person of integrity. The book of Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is better than riches.” Be known for being truthful. There is never a right time to lie. Get used to saying the truth; it is a testament to your role as the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
Remember that God is truth; since no one can fight God, no one can fight, hide, or suppress the truth. Somehow and someday, the truth must come out. There is no need to swear at all. Truth is capable of testifying to itself. Let what you say be ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ Our first reading today narrates the call of the prophet Elisha. Elisha was working in the field when Elijah passed by and cast his mantle upon him. Having completed his mission and following God’s command, Elijah handed it over to Elisha. In truth, success without a successor is a failure in disguise.
The moment Elisha sensed his calling, he took the yoke of oxen, slew them, boiled their flesh, and gave it to the people. They all ate, and then he rose, went after Elijah, and ministered to him. Interestingly, this is exactly what Jesus required of Peter and the other apostles (including the seventy others). Jesus also required this of the rich young man: “Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21).
Yesterday, we celebrated the Sacred Heart of Jesus; today, we are celebrating the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ. What are the characteristics of her heart? 1. Humility. Mary was never proud. Mary acknowledged that she was just a handmaid of God and never sought praise and exultation from her fellow women, unlike the Pharisees, who loved to be greeted obsequiously in the marketplaces.
2. Silence. As we see in today’s Gospel passage, Mary treasured everything in her heart. She practised Contemplative Prayer, which some saints have described as the most perfect form of prayer. In contemplation, we do not use words but centre ourselves in the presence of God, pondering in our hearts what he says to us.
3. Righteousness. Mary had a PURE heart. We refer to her heart as IMMACULATE because of Mary’s sinlessness. This purity of heart made God fall in love with her and choose her to be his mother. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us a secret: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8). Only a heart so pure can contain God as Mary did.
As we reflect on Mary’s Immaculate Heart, let us look at our hearts. Is my heart like that of Mary? What efforts am I making to guard my heart against all defilements of evil? Is my heart clean enough to accommodate God? Am I willing to listen to the truth and change my ways?
Today, we also celebrate St. Anthony of Padua. He was born Fernando Martins in Lisbon to a wealthy family and entered the Abbey of Santa Cruz in Coimbra, Portugal, at fifteen to study theology and Latin. Feeling a strong calling, he later joined the Franciscan Order and took the name Anthony. His missionary work took him to Morocco, but illness forced his return to Portugal. His return journey took an unexpected turn, landing him in Sicily before he settled at the San Paolo hermitage in Tuscany.
During a visit from Dominican friars, Anthony delivered an impromptu yet powerful sermon, revealing his natural talent for preaching. Impressed by his virtues, St. Francis of Assisi entrusted him with the education of the friars. Anthony’s treasured book of psalms was once stolen but was later returned by a remorseful novice and is now preserved in Bologna.
While Anthony taught at various universities, his true passion was preaching. His clear and simple teachings earned him the title of Doctor of the Church from Pope Pius XII in 1946. In one notable instance, when sceptics ignored his sermons, Anthony famously preached to the fish, captivating both his critics and the local community. St. Anthony passed away at the young age of 35 and was canonised just a year later by Pope Gregory IX. When his body was exhumed, his tongue remained incorrupt, a sign of his pure teachings. Widely known as the ‘finder of lost items,’ St. Anthony is honoured around the world, with many miracles attributed to him.
Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, who gave Saint Anthony of Padua to your people as an outstanding preacher and an intercessor in their need, grant that, with his assistance, as we follow the teachings of the Christian life, we may know your help in every trial. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Antony of Padua, Priest, Doctor Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: 1 Kings 19:19-21, Ps. 16:1-2,5,7-10, Matthew 5:33-37)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu