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Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II Friday, Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua, Priest & Doctor of Church, 13 June 2025 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 <*((((>< + ><))))*> Matthew 5:27-32
Your words today, O Lord Jesus through St. Paul are so refreshing, so reassuring of our worth and giftedness:
Brothers and sisters: We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the Body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body (2 Corinthians 4:7-10).
How lovely are those words, "we hold this treasure in earthen vessels"; today as we come to close the week, we are reminded to think of the "treasures" we hold dear most in our lives; many times we forget the many treasures within us or in our very lives God has given us or shown us that have kept us still standing all these years, weathering the many storms that have come to batter us that eventually made us more firm and strong, most of all, fruitful; let us be mindful toda of the many treasures you have given us, Jesus.
Let us learn from our weaknesses and failures, sins and mistakes for life is always filled with many struggles that serve not as obstacles but opportunities to become better not bitter; indeed, life is difficult as you have taught us today in the gospel, of the need to respect everyone at all times and be faithful; through the intercession of St. Anthony of Padua who is invoked for lost items, help us find our treasures in you, Jesus. Amen.
