BEHOLD THE CROSS OF THE LORD: FLY YE POWERS OF DARKNESS 1. It does not matter how long you live, but how well you do it.” These are the words of Martin Luther King Jr. The understanding is that you can live on earth for so long a time, but if the quality is absent, your life is as meaningless as the word meaningless is. On the other hand, you can live for just a short time, with an enormous impact. An explicit example of this scene is Jesus Christ, who lived for 33 years. He was not up to 40 or 50, but what He did is there for all to testify. Today (13-6-2025), we celebrate St. Anthony of Padua. This is a man who lived for 36 years on earth. Per our evaluation, we would say that he died at a young age. What does this tell you? Sainthood is not dependent on the age of death but the quality of life. I ask: How old are you? How are you living on this earth? Is your life full of quality or quantity? Today, St. Anthony shows us the way. He tells us that it's not enough to live. The point is in living a good life irrespective of the number of years spent on earth. 2. St. Anthony of Padua had a great desire for evangelisation. He wanted to put into action the words of Jesus by going to all nations to proclaim the Word. In fact, it was his intention to visit Africa to evangelise. He did come, but he was unsuccessful on account of sickness. Consequently, he needed to go back home. Today, St. Anthony invites us to evangelisation. He wants us to be on fire for Jesus. He wants us to lead humanity to Jesus. If a European person wanted to come to Africa because of the Word, Africans should be able to do much to their own. I want to challenge you to use the "little knowledge" you have in proclaiming Jesus. 3. St. Anthony was gifted by God. Academically, he was exceptional. Spiritually, he was inclined. He worked many miracles. What is of interest is the manner in which he exercised these gifts: humility! Like St. Anthony of Padua, God has endowed you with many gifts: singing, healing, etc. How are you exercising these gifts? Are you doing so with pride or humility? 4. To St. Anthony of Padua is attributed this saying: “Give all of yourself and God will give you all of Himself.” This may appear to be challenging, but it's possible. Whatever you have from God. Thus, when you give to God, you do not make God any favour. Rather, you return what has been given to you, and you ask for abundance. God will never disappoint you if you should give everything of yourself to Him. I ask again, what can you offer to God? What can you offer to the Church? What can you offer to humanity? Nb: St. Anthony of Padua is not an Italian but a Portuguese. BEHOLD THE CROSS OF THE LORD: FLY YE POWERS OF DARKNESS! THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH. THE ROOT OF DAVID HAS CONQUERED. ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA! It is well....🌿