Like so many others, I have always known St. Anthony as Patron of lost articles and I have sought his intercession on more than one occasion! I never thought of him as a great theologian or scholar. However, in today’s Office of Readings, the excerpt on his life indicates that he was recognized by St. Francis and the other members of his community as extremely gifted in the areas of teaching and preaching.
One of his sermons contains the line, “Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak.” This simple, but powerful, message was a hallmark of Anthony’s life. It’s a good reminder to me to check the consistency of my words and actions.
Perhaps the most precious thing St. Anthony can help me find is a life of authenticity and truth where my actions give credence to the words I speak. Saint Anthony, pray for us!
