The Memorial of St Anthony, Abbot

1 Sam. 8:4-7.10-22, Mk 2:1-12. God works through human means in imperfect situations. He had shaped Israel’s past in the land of Egypt, then by the chastening years in the desert and later while they gained control of the Promised Land from the Canaanites. Influenced by the neighbouring nations, Israel demanded for a king, after moment of pressure and persuasion, Samuel anoints Saul as their first king. In today's first reading Samuel made them to understand that the demand for a king is the rejection of God's Kingship. They would forget that God was their real King, shift responsibility for the common good and abdicate personal initiative.

While the personal initiative of the monarchical tyrant brought threat to Israel’s national existence from their immediate neighbours, the initiative of the friends of the paralytic in today's Gospel brought him to Jesus. Without his friends the paralytic was unable to get anywhere, let alone get close to Jesus. Today, we can also look on to the examples of faith set by St Anthony the Abbot, also known as St Anthony the Great in his effort to overcome the temptations of pride, power, desire, wealth and glory. He is a renowned monk and ascetic who is remembered as among the first people who dedicated themselves so completely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. The story of those four men carrying their friend to Jesus is a powerful call to be helpful where we can. They were so determined to get him to Jesus that they opened a hole in the roof above Jesus when their way through the door was blocked because of the crowd. Today, we are challenged to be like the friends of the paralysed man, able to help others to their feet, or bring them from despair to hope.

May the Lord continue to guide us in our respective journeys of faith and make us true friends to our neighbours! Amen!! Good morning and have a great day!!!