Walk The Extra Mile

 Matthew 5: 38-42

Eye for Eye

³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ ³⁹ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. ⁴⁰ And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. ⁴¹ If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. ⁴² Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Today, we celebrate the Memorial of the beloved St. Anthony of Padua, the famous "Finder of Lost Things."  How often have we said a quick prayer to him and our lost object has appeared almost on the spot?.  Sometimes it takes longer, as in the three-day ordeal I experienced when I lost the master keys to Central Catholic High School.  On the third day, I heard a voice in my head after Mass say, "Go to the gas station" where I had bought gas the week before.. Sure enough the attendant had them on his windowsill. I had left them on the pump. 

St. Anthony is not just  the "Finder of Lost Things", he was a gifted and convincing  preacher who brought many a  lost soul back to Jesus. He was willing to walk the extra mile to bring back "the lost." We certainly need St. Anthonys today! May God help us find the ability though patient listening and simple, convincing testimony about how God has worked in our lives to bring others to Jesus as St. Anthony did.  It's not  beyond the power of God to work even though us!

Bro. Rene