Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot
Serving God faithfully is at the heart of what it means to be a disciple and it demands a we follow the Lord with a deep trust. This is not always an easy task as our lives are filled with clutter and busyness. These challenges, along with obstacles that come from people or situations present us with roadblocks. These may be true barriers to moving forward. However there is another level that lies below the surface and they call us to dig deeper. The pretenses of today’s scripture stories leave us mystified as to the depth of courage needed to serve the Lord.
People with deep faith, who are radical servants, can mystify us. They seemingly go against the grain of what common sense might suggest. For King Saul, David is “too young” in both strength and wisdom. While, Goliath is obviously a seasoned warrior who will defeat the best Israel has to offer, David is armed with something that all disciples need. He has recognized God’s call with confidence and a radical trust. David’s deep faith allows him to fight and triumph “in the name of the LORD of hosts.” His radical service of the Lord trusted that God would deliver him and Israel through the time of trials.
The trials continue for Jesus in today’s gospel. The Pharisees are hoping to catch Jesus doing something against the law. Without a word being spoken, Jesus understands that he is being tested and like David acts in a way that mystifies. A man with a withered hand comes to Jesus. Despite knowing the Pharisee’s hardness of heart, Jesus healed the man for all to see, thus glorifying the Lord.
Although our choices may not be matters of life and death, we are faced with daily decisions that reveal our character. Following the law is important; however it is not the end all and be all. If our hearts are hard to the realities that life is not always black and white, then our live reflect the heart of the Pharisees.
St. Anthony gave away his vast wealth and lived in radical poverty as a hermit. In his life, the Lord lead him to form monasteries, to support others through a time difficult persecution, and to defend the faith from heresy. Anthony’s example helps stretch our own personal boundaries of what it means to radically serve the Lord.
“Lord You are our Rock! Assist us to do what is right, no matter how difficult. Like St. Anthony, David and Jesus help us to work through the trials that You allow us to encounter; grant us the courage so that we might face the challenges with a grace and openness that allows You to transform us oh Lord. Amen!
- Deacon Michael Montgomery