Memorial St. Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Luke 11:13: If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask for him.

Prayer …

Heavenly Father, through the precious Holy Spirit we come before you asking you to empower us, our loved ones, through the power of your Holy Spirit. We pray for renewal to sweep-over our country and our world guide by your Spirit of grace, power, and love. In the name of Infant Jesus, the giver of this great gift we pray. Amen.

Today's Readings (June 13, 2012)

Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, priest and doctor of the Church First Reading: 1 Kgs 18:20-39 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16:1b-2ab, 4, 5ab and 8, 11 Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19 Colour: WHITE Lectionary: 361

Short Reflection on Today's Gospel (Matthew 5:17-19)

Jesus’ approach towards the law of God can be summed up in the great prayer of Psalm 119: “Oh, how I love your law!  It is my meditation all the day.” For the people of Israel the “law” could refer to the 10 commandments or to the five Books of Moses, called the Pentateuch, which give details the commandments and orders of God for his people. The “law” also referred to the whole instruction or way of life which God gave to his people. The Jews in Jesus’ time also used it as a explanation of the oral or scribal law. Needless to say, the scribes added many additional things to the law than God intended. That is why Jesus frequently condemned the scribal law. It placed burdens on people which God had not planned. Jesus, however, made it very clear that the spirit of God’s law – his commandments and way of life, must be pleased. The law of God is truth and when we live according to that truth it makes the fruits of righteousness, sanctity, peace, and joy.