Anthony of Padua, Priest, Religious, Doctor Obligatory Memorial
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 4: 2-3, 4-5, 7b-8
Alleluia: Matthew 5: 16
Gospel: Matthew 5: 13-16
First Reading: First Kings 17: 7-16
7 But after some time the torrent was dried up, for it had not rained upon the earth.
8 Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying:
9 Arise, and go to Sarephta of the Sidonians, and dwell there: for I have commanded a widow woman there to feed thee.
10 He arose, and went to Sarephta. And when he was come to the gate of the city, he saw the widow woman gathering sticks, and he called her, and said to her: Give me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.
11 And when she was going to fetch it he called after her, saying: Bring me also, I beseech thee, a morsel of bread in thy hand.
12 And she answered: As the Lord thy God liveth, I have no bread, but only a handful of meal in a pot, and a little oil in a cruse: behold I am gathering two sticks that I may go in and dress it, for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.
13 And Elias said to her: Fear not, but go, and do as thou hast said: but first make for me of the same meal a little hearth cake, and bring it to me: and after make for thyself and thy son.
14 For thus saith the Lord the God of Israel: The pot of meal shall not waste, nor the cruse of oil be diminished, until the day wherein the Lord will give rain upon the face of the earth.
15 She went and did according to the word of Elias: and he ate, and she, and her house: and from that day
16 The pot of meal wasted not, and the cruse of oil was not diminished, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke in the hand of Elias.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 4: 2-3, 4-5, 7b-8
R. (7a) Lord, let your face shine on us.
2 When I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me. Have mercy on me: and hear my prayer.
3 O ye sons of men, how long will you be dull of heart? why do you love vanity, and seek after lying?
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
4 Know ye also that the Lord hath made his holy one wonderful: the Lord will hear me when I shall cry unto him.
5 Be angry, and sin not: the things you say in your hearts, be sorry for them upon your beds.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
7b The light of thy countenance O Lord, is signed upon us: thou hast given gladness in my heart.
8 By the fruit of their corn, their wine and oil, they are multiplied.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
Alleluia: Matthew 5: 16
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
16 Let your light shine before others That they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Matthew 5: 13-16
13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men.
14 You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house.
16 So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Reflection
The widow of Sarephta had almost nothing: a handful of meal, a little oil, and enough strength for one final meal for herself and her son. Yet she trusted the word of the Lord and shared what she had. Her obedience became a place where God’s abundance was revealed. The psalm gives voice to the same faith: in distress, the Lord hears, enlarges the heart, and lets the light of his face shine upon his people.
Jesus gives this trust a visible shape. His disciples are salt for the earth and light for the world; their goodness is meant to be seen, so that others may glorify the Father. Christian witness does not depend on having much. A small act of generosity, honesty, patience, or mercy can preserve goodness and bring light into a weary place. The widow’s meal was not wasted, and the disciple’s quiet faithfulness is never insignificant. When we place what we have at God’s service, even our limited resources can become a sign of his sustaining love.
Prayer
Father of mercy, let your face shine upon us and teach us to trust your word when our resources seem small. Give us the courage of the widow of Sarephta, who shared what she had and found your faithful provision. Keep our hearts from vanity and self-protection. Make us salt that preserves goodness and light that points beyond ourselves to you. May our words, choices, and quiet acts of charity bring encouragement to others and lead them to glorify your name. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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