June 13, 2022, Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time-C ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
1 Kings 21:1-16
Psalm 5
Matthew 5:38-42
“But I say to you…” Matthew 5:39
Lord, some people just seem to “get it.” My mother, as you know, was one. She wasn’t highly educated or sophisticated in the terms of the world. Her heart was open to your grace and so she just always seemed to live your ways. Your truth and your grace thrived in her. She was a great example to us, her children, of how to respect the dignity and value of others. When we look on others as your beloved and precious children we can make better decisions as to how to relate to them. Lord, I can be tempted to “water down” your hard teachings as exaggerations or view them as standards too lofty for me to achieve. But that would close the door of my heart to your grace. It would lower my chances to seize opportunities to love more like you do. So today I want to “get it” like my mom did. I ask you to work your wonders in my attitudes and responses to the actions and needs of others. I want your will to guide me this day. Help me to be as merciful toward people as you have been with me. St. Anthony pray for us. Amen.