Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot

God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love you have demonstrated for his name by having served and continuing to serve the holy ones. We earnestly desire each of you to demonstrate the same eagerness for the fulfillment of hope until the end, so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises.

God is just. He knows our minds and hearts and souls and whether or not our thoughts, words, and works are done for good or evil ends. He will not overlook anything we do (or fail to do) whether it is a virtue or vice. He sees all and knows who is a good and faithful servant and who is a selfish usurper. If we want to have a place in heaven, then we need to demonstrate our goodwill through acts of charity and mercy and by knowing, loving, and serving God and His children to the best of our abilities. We should be eager for the fulfillment of God’s Will, humbly hopeful of our salvation, faithful imitators of Christ, and patient. If we do all these things, then we shall inherit the promises of Christ.

Do we keep in mind God’s presence throughout our day? How does knowing He is with us affect our daily lives? Do our thoughts, words, and works imitate those of Christ?

O Lord, we are eager to demonstrate our love of you and your children.

Amen.