📖 Opening Prayer
O God,
who brought the Abbot Saint Anthony
to serve you by a wondrous way of life in the desert,
grant, through his intercession,
that, denying ourselves, we may always love you above all things.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
📘 First Reading
1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1
This reading introduces Saul, a man chosen by God to be Israel’s first king. God prepares Saul’s heart and leads him into a new vocation.
Main thought:
Even when life doesn’t make sense (lost donkeys, unexpected calls), God is at work calling us to follow Him. He prepares us for our mission before we even know it.
🎵 Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 21:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
“You have granted him his heart’s desire…”
God blesses and protects those who trust in Him, giving them strength and purpose.
Reflection:
This psalm encourages gratitude — to recognise how God meets us in our deepest longings and gives us more than we ask. �
Catholic Online
✨ Alleluia Verse
Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…”
Jesus proclaims joy and freedom for all who follow Him.
✝️ Gospel Reading
Mark 2:13-17
Jesus calls Levi (Matthew), the tax collector, to follow Him. He then eats with tax collectors and sinners, showing that God’s mercy embraces all.
Key teaching:
“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick.”
Jesus doesn’t avoid sinners — He reaches out to them. His mission is mercy and conversion.
🧠 Simple Explanation & Application
🕊 What the Readings Mean
God calls each of us — even when we feel unprepared, ordinary, or “lost.” Just like Saul and Matthew, God sees deeper than our surface.
The Church’s mission is not to separate the “holy” from the “unholy,” but to be a place of healing and mercy. Jesus invites all to His table.
Saint Anthony’s life in the desert reminds us to detach from what distracts us from God — and to focus on loving God above all. �
catholicculture.org
🌱 Personal Application
Ask: Where is Jesus calling me today?
Reflect: Am I open to people whom society rejects?
Act: Show kindness and mercy — especially to those who feel unworthy.
🙏 Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
you call each of us by name and invite us to follow you.
Grant that, like Saint Anthony,
we may set aside what holds us back,
welcome your mercy in our lives,
and offer your mercy to others.
Help us see everyone with your loving heart.
Amen.
