It's not often that we take the Gospel to heart and use it for the catalyst for a major move in our lives...We take inspiration and perhaps make some little move toward applying it to our lives, but once in awhile someone takes it literally and does make that major move. Such was St. Anthony of the Desert, Abbot and father of monasticism. On hearing the story of the rich young man who could not part with his wealth, Anthony did just that...sold all his inherited property, provided for his sister, and took to the desert. Eventually thousands followed him, discontent as the were with the materialistic lifestyle of the day.
Anthony did not leave any profound writings nor "immortal art", but, as St. Athanasius said, "a great reverence for God:" Such a reverence led him to lead a life of balanced austerity, moderation in food and talk, and freedom from worry about his past.
How refreshing his life is in our day of excess, materialism and lack of rerevence...not only for God, but for one another... We are ripe for new Anthonys to step forward and lead the way back to God. St. Anthony pray for us, help us to take the Gospel to heart and put it into practice as you did.
Bro. Rene.
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