Leaving All

Another year has gone by and again we come to the Memorial of St. Antony of the Desert, Abbot.  His life ever poses a challenge to us as he took the Gospel literally, "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."(Mt 19:21).  Follow, he did, gradually moving deeper and deeper into the desert for the solitude and seclusion he craved in order to be united to God as much as possible on earth.  His radical lifestyle of prayer, work and fasting attracted others, so he, despite his wishes, became the guide and mentor for hundreds of others who sought God as much as he did.  He became their Abbot, Father, their leader and spiritual guide and is looked upon as the father of western monasticism.  His sayings touched Benedict of Nursia  and still hold an influence on those who seek deeper communion with God. St. Athanasius wrote of him: "Anthony was not known for his writings nor for his worldly wisdom, nor for any art, but simply for his reverence toward God."  May we in some way, in our own circumstances find a way to show such reverence to God and to our neighbor.
Bro. Rene