June 13, 2004. Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua, priest and doctor of the church.

A reading from the first book of kings.

Elijah said to Ahab,

Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.

So Ahab went up to eat and drink,

while Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel,

crouched down to the earth,

and put his head between his knees.

Climb up and look out to sea, he directed his servant,

who went up and looked, but reported,

There is nothing.

Seven times, he said,

Go, look again. And the seventh time, the youth reported, go, look again.

And the seventh time, the youth reported,

There is a cloud, as small as a man's hand, rising from the sea.

Elijah said, Go and say to Ahab, harness up and leave the mountain before the rain stops you.

In a trice the sky grew dark with clouds and wind,

and a heavy rain fell.

Ahab mounted his chariot and made for Jezrael,

but the hand of the Lord was on Elijah,

who girded up his clothing and ran before Ahab as far as the approaches to Jezrael.

The Word of the Lord.

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