Saint Anthony of Padua gave up a life of privilege to follow the Lord. For a time he lived in a cave until he was asked to preach at which time the audience was moved not only by his rich voice and arresting manner, but also by the theme and substance of his discourse, his deep knowledge of scripture, and the eloquence with which he delivered his message.

According to historian Sophronius Clasen, Anthony, using allegory and symbolism, preached “the grandeur of Christianity.”

Once he was treated terribly by an audience he went to the shoreline to preach to the fish because they would be more attentive. Reportedly, a crowd of fish gathered and masses of people came to see this and were then moved by his preaching.

Anthony fell sick and was buried near a convent which he’d founded.

What an amazing life. And when he arrived in Heaven, he was assigned the glorious task of… helping people find their keys and the remote control.

I’ve gotta’ wonder if he asked to speak to HR before accepting the position. Prolly not. He’s good like that. No job too small for the Lord, I guess.

I assume there’s a lesson in there for us. I wonder how many little things I could do better. My kids lot a shoe. Someone needs a ride. Visit someone lonely. Phoning a friend.

In so many little ways we can be light in the world. If Anthony can help us find our keys, I can certainly visit a friend or help my dopey son with his essay or drive him to his friend’s house.

And if I lose my patience I can always pray to Saint Anthony to help me find it.