Memorial of Saint
Anthony of Padua, priest
(II Corinthians 2:18-22; Matthew 5:13-16)
St. Anthony of Padua achieved fame in his day as a
preacher. Evidently for this reason early
images of him were depicted with a Scripture in hand. Curiously over time that Scripture has been
replaced with an image of the child Jesus.
Like St. Paul in today’s first reading Anthony’s familiarity with the
word of God has been rightly associated with a close relationship with the Lord
himself.
Paul wants to assure the Corinthians of Christ’s love. He is afraid of a misunderstanding because he
has changed his plan to visit them. So
that they do not think that Christ is a fickle Lord because of his messenger’s change
of plan, he asserts here that he did it with good reason. He did not visit them so that God’s design
could be fulfilled.
Sometimes we too have to break a promise. It may cause disappointment, but if done with
good reason and sincere apology it is neither sinful nor ultimately hurtful. Those
to whom the promise is made should be able to see that we still care for them.
