Saint of the Day
St. Anthony of Padua
Anthony of Padua (1195–1231) was a Portuguese Franciscan friar and priest who became one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic tradition. Originally trained as an Augustinian canon, he was inspired to join the Franciscans after seeing the bodies of martyred friars. He became a renowned preacher and theologian — Francis of Assisi himself called him "my bishop." Anthony is the patron saint of lost things and the poor. His preaching drew enormous crowds, and he was canonized within a year of his death. He is also a Doctor of the Church.
Scripture Reading
Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Reflection
St. Anthony is remembered as the finder of lost things, but every believer is promised the most important finding of all: those who seek God with a whole heart will find him. Nothing is more lost than a soul that has stopped seeking. The promise is unconditional on God's side — he is findable. The condition rests entirely on the sincerity and wholeness of our seeking.
Prayer for Today
Dear Lord, just as you were with your disciples in the midst of the stormy seas, I know you're with me in my storm right now. Help me to remember that when the time is right, you'll rise up and calm the storm. I know you are able and I trust you. Calm my heart and teach me to stay close to you during this time. Strengthen my faith and walk with you. I'm thankful you are in the boat with me just as you were with your disciples. Because of you, I have hope. Thank you for walking with me so I'm not walking through this alone. In Jesus name, amen.
Amen.