As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, as well as Father’s Day, I wanted to share part of a sermon by St. Anthony of Padua found in the Office of Readings for his feast day, which was recently celebrated on June 13…
“The man who is filled with the Holy Spirit speaks in different languages. These different languages are different ways of witnessing to Christ, such as humility, poverty, patience and obedience; we speak in those languages when we reveal in ourselves these virtues to others. Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak. We are full of words but empty of actions, and therefore are cursed by the Lord, since he himself cursed the fig tree when he found no fruit but only leaves. Gregory says: “A law is laid upon the preacher to practice what he preaches.” It is useless for a man to flaunt his knowledge of the law if he undermines its teaching by his actions.”
Let your words teach and your actions speak. I can’t count how many times I have heard someone talk about their dad and mention how even though they might not have told them they loved them many times in life, they showed it by their actions time and time again. These words of St. Anthony are fitting for Father’s Day as we take a moment and thank God for the gift of our fathers, grand-fathers, God-fathers, step-fathers and so on… Take a moment and ponder how many times your dad has lived out love for you. His actions speak. If your dad is living, thank him personally. It means a lot. If he has passed, take a moment in prayer and thank God for the gift of his life. It means a lot. If you are like me and are growing into your Fatherhood, be gentle with yourself. Today is a new day. It’s time to realign your priorities and start living new actions that bring love into your families and into the world.
Ultimately, our God, the Most Holy Trinity, has shown us what love looks like on the cross. Jesus says “Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that He will take from what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:15). The God that we celebrate today, our good and loving God, wants to share His whole life with us! St. Paul says, “the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). Last week we celebrated the Spirit of God being shared with us. Will you open up your heart to Him and receive the saving action of His love?
Receive the Father’s love,
Fr. Jeremy
