St. Anthony of Padua is most known for two things: helping people out when they have lost something (he's saved my day a good number of times) and his Be Satisfied with Me prayer. As much as I appreciate the aid when I can't find keys or a contact, his prayer has made an incredible impact on my life. It's the type of prayer that I can read dozens of times, yet each time something different speaks to me. God truly speaks to people through this prayer; many of my friends have found a lot of comfort and love in the words as well.
A couple years ago, the relationship I was in was not at its healthiest point. Without realizing it, I had let this boy consume my heart, turning to him when I was upset, giving him my last thoughts before I fell asleep. He was the source of my comfort and affirmation. And, as much as I didn't want to admit it at the time, there was a constant feeling that we were not called to be together. One of my dearest friends, probably seeing what I had not yet seen, suggested that I meditate on the Be Satisfied with Me prayer. I took her advice, and the words were almost a slap in the face. I realized I had let this boy take God's place in my life, and something needed to change. With all the good intentions, but not enough of the courage, I was determined to make that happen, making time for Christ in my life, praying with him and attending Mass together. The sentiment was good, and it helped for awhile, but old habits die hard.
As time passed, the relationship sunk into the same pattern. I was emotionally depending on him, and it wasn't fair to either one of us. I was praying about the situation a lot, terrified because I knew what needed to be done, but I didn't want to do it. And then I came across my old copy of the prayer. The number of times I prayed those words, asking for the courage to follow God's will, is large. But He follows through. And I knew all He wanted of me was to take a leap of faith in order to grow in love for Him. So the relationship with the boy ended, and my relationship with God grew. He does not disappoint.
The message of the prayer is one that speaks to everyone, no matter what their state in life. Finding satisfaction is a constant struggle for us as humans. There are so many places we can look for it: money, friendships, success, a relationship. And all of these are good things, but God has His own plan for us. I know I have always had my idea of my perfect life planned out in my mind. But sometimes God has a better idea, something we can't see. He has something waiting for us that is infinitely greater than anything we could ever create in our own plans.
But before we can hope to follow the path He has set out for us, we have to find our satisfaction in Him. We have to build a relationship with Him, firmly set on rock. How could we hope to follow His plan if we don't even speak with Him? He won't lead us astray, to something that will make us less happy than our original, human plan. But the incredible thing is, once our satisfaction is found in Him, nothing else matters. Once we are completely grounded in Him, overwhelmed with our love for Him, those things we cared so much about before fade away. And isn't that the ultimate goal for all of us?
Someday I hope to reach that point: when I'm so recklessly in love with Christ that I rest in Him, follow His plan, and don't worry about the rest. And until then, I know I can hear His love and His comfort that He is taking care of me through the words of St. Anthony. I hope each of you sets aside even the smallest bit of time to read that prayer, to really hear God's voice in the lines as He tells you that He loves you, He desires your heart, and His plan is going to make you overwhelmed with His peace and joy. "Believe it and be satisfied."
