jonathon encouraged us to highlight a saint today. one that has been influential in my life is Abba Anthony or Saint Anthony (i like abba personally).
Two Greek philosophers ventured out into the Egyptian desert to the
mountain where Anthony lived. When they got there, Anthony asked them
why they had come to talk to such a foolish man? He had reason to say
that -- they saw before them a man who wore a skin, who refused to
bathe, who lived on bread and water. They were Greek, the world's most
admired civilization, and Anthony was Egyptian, a member of a conquered
nation. They were philosophers, educated in languages and rhetoric.
Anthony had not even attended school as a boy and he needed an
interpreter to speak to them. In their eyes, he would have seemed very
foolish.
But the Greek philosophers had heard the stories of Anthony. They had heard how disciples came from all over to learn from him, how his intercession had brought about miraculous healings, how his words comforted the suffering. They assured him that they had come to him because he was a wise man.
Anthony guessed what they wanted. They lived by words and arguments. They wanted to hear his words and his arguments on the truth of Christianity and the value of ascetism. But he refused to play their game. He told them that if they truly thought him wise, "If you think me wise, become what I am, for we ought to imitate the good. Had I gone to you, I should have imitated you, but, since you have come to me, become what I am, for I am a Christian."
you should read more...
a prayer: Saint Anthony, you spoke of the importance of persevering in our faith and our practice. Help us to wake up each day with new zeal for the Christian life and a desire to take the next challenge instead of just sitting still. Amen
