Most of what is known about the life
of Anthony is from his biography written by St. Athanasius. St. Anthony
was born in Egypt around 251, to wealthy parents who owned land near
present-day Cairo. During this time, the Christian faith was rapidly spreading throughout
the vast expanses of the Roman empire, though the empire remained officially
pagan for another 80 years.
Around the year 270, his parents died and he inherited their
sizable wealth. But shortly after, while attending Mass he heard Jesus'
exhortation to the rich young man: “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your
possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in
heaven; then come, follow me.” Anthony told his disciples in later years, that
it was as though Christ has spoken those words to him directly.
The words of Christ, striking him to the heart, Anthony gave away some of the family estate to his neighbors, sold
the remaining property, donated the funds to the poor, placed his sister with a
group of Christian virgins for her education, and became a desert hermit.
He sought detachment from material
goods and earthly pleasures and sought his riches in God alone. His holiness
soon attracted the attention of others; a group of hermits grew around him, and
he became their spiritual father, or an “abbot”, thus beginning monasticism as
it is known today.
God continues to call men and women to the monastic life; in
fact, there seems to be a resurgence in monasticism in some places. Perhaps,
due to all the chaos and hatred in the world, the monastics seek a desert place
to focus on what really matters, the only thing that really matters in the end.
The monastics remind the whole Church not to become too
wrapped up in the affairs and trappings of the world, to seek out the desert
places from time to time, to become quiet enough to hear the silent Word of God
speaking to our hearts, and to strive after the Christian perfection to which
we are called.
On this feast of St. Anthony, we are
reminded of the invitation to embrace the Gospel with ever greater devotion and
commitment. Inspired by grace to follow
Christ with a free and pure heart, Anthony gave away all his possessions to the
poor, and overcoming the weakness of the flesh by the strength of the spirit,
he lived in deep communion with God in the austere solitude of the desert for
the glory of God and salvation of souls.
That all Christians may seek detachment from the things of
the world to focus more deeply on the things of God.
For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and
consecrated life, and for the sanctification of those in the monastic orders.
For St. Anthony’s protection against all the wickedness and
snares of the devil.
That the wealthy might use their earthly treasures to gain
treasure in heaven by coming to the aid of the poor and helpless.
For the needs of the sick and suffering…
For the dead.
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