St. Anthony of Padua & Motherhood
Today is the feast day of St. Anthony of Padua. He is one of my favorite all time Saints. I have asked for his intercession constantly for the last decade and a half. The most common time I have lifted my heart to him, is when I am in search of something….my phone, favorite pair of leggings that the laundry monster ate (PLEASE tell me I am not the only one that struggles with the laundry monster, he is a vicious booger), my patience, or my sanity…duh. I have made the prayer deeper when I ask that he help me find a solution to a problem or the courage to face a difficult task or conversation.
I have also invoked his prayer each time I stand before my community of brothers and sisters to teach or speak. Because it is really, really hard to do that! I feel like I relate with St. Anthony so much in the arena of speaking. First of all, the first time he was asked to speak he declined. He only went on to preach the given sermon because his superior ordered him to and he had taken a vow of obedience. Fumbling through the first few minutes, zeal consumed him quickly and he went on to become a Doctor of the Church! Even given his great fervor for instructing others in faith, he persistently focused on evangelization over education. PREACH, ST. ANTHONY, PREACH (consider this the moment that my hand pops up to wave in the air [like I just don’t care] and my head is bobbing around and this sentence is quickly followed by a “HALLELUJAH” and a Sister Act worthy rendition of a Gospel choir hymn). Seriously, let that sink in: evangelization over education. Heart knowledge over head knowledge. Good stuff.
I will likely never be a doctor of the Church. Like him, though, I did not always see publicly sharing the Gospel as my “path.” Over time, God has revealed that it is indeed a large put stop in my path. I spoke regularly as a youth minister to teens, parents, and peers and eventually began to cherish those experiences! I find that lately, I do not have a desire to speak like I used to. My ministry is not preaching the Gospel to a hall full of teens anymore, so much as to a toddler that is refusing to wear underwear. It is the glamorous life for me, let me tell ya. But, when I take that hysterical three year old and explain the purpose of underwear in a kind and loving way, without laughing hysterically or becoming frustrated, I certainly am sharing the Good News. I am literally clothing the naked. I feel like that is the good work. It is the work that will lead me to the Heavenly banquet.
I wanted to also share my favorite poem, which just so happens to be by St. Anthony. Although this poem is about Vocations, I feel that the concepts can also be applied to any season of anticipation or need for patience. I would love to hear how it impacts your heart in the comments!
Be Satisfied With Me
by St. Anthony of Padua
Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone,
To have a deep soul relationship with another,
To be loved thoroughly and exclusively.But to a Christian, God says, “No, not until you are satisfied,
Fulfilled and content with being loved by Me alone,
With giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me.
With having an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone.Discovering that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found,
Will you be capable of the perfect human relationship,
That I have planned for you.
You will never be united to another
Until you are united with Me.
Exclusive of anyone or anything else.
Exclusive of any other desires or longings.
I want you to stop planning, to stop wishing, and allow Me to give you
The most thrilling plan existing . . . one you cannot imagine.
I want you to have the best. Please allow Me to bring it to you.You just keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things.
Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I am.
Keep listening and learning the things that I tell you.
Just wait, that’s all. Don’t be anxious, don’t worry
Don’t look around at things others have gotten
Or that I have given them
Don’t look around at the things you think you want,
Just keep looking off and away up to Me,
Or you’ll miss what I want to show you.
And then, when you’re ready, I’ll surprise you with a love
Far more wonderful than you could dream of.You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have for you is ready,
I am working even at this moment
To have both of you ready at the same time.
Until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me
And the life I prepared for you,
You won’t be able to experience the love that exemplified your relationship with Me.
And this is perfect love.And dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love,
I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with Me.
And to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty, perfection and love that I offer you with Myself.
Know that I love you utterly. I AM God.
Believe it and be satisfied
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