The Monastic Saint

When Emperor Constantine proclaimed Christianity as the Roman imperial religion, it became fashionable to practice Christianity. Status in the new imperial faith brought many opportunistic people to the Church; people who were motivated by political ambition rather than by true faith in God. Some of the devoted Christians longed for the difficult faith of the persecutions. Anthony was one of those.

As a wealthy young man at the age of twenty, Anthony heard "go sell everything you own!" (Matthew 19:21) and he did just that. He went to the desert near his home in Middle Egypt. He wanted to live a life completely devoted to Christ. He struggled with temptation. For many years he lived in complete solitude. Gradually, followers began to gather near him so they could ask his advice about the progress of the soul towards perfection. He codified rules by which the group of hermits could gather to worship, and in doing so, laid the groundwork for the first Christian monasteries. Anthony died at the age of 105. A monastery still exists in the Egyptian desert as a result of his work.

Anthony tried to make a complete break with sin. He lived a very austere life, and his desire to rid himself of temptation was a life-long task. This single-minded commitment to God is still a sign to us of what the Christian life holds. The call to live a life based upon Jesus' words is daunting, yet fulfilling. The call of Jesus may not demand that we become hermits, but it does call us to reject temptation.

Reflect on the Word

As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God's Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace. Ephesians 4:1-3,CEV