(Fourth century) Saint Paphnutius was an Egyptian hermit and disciple of Saint Anthony of Egypt. Like other famous disciples of Anthony, such as Saint Athanasius, Paphnutius was an opponent of the Arian heresy and present at the Council of Nicea that condemned Arianism and refined the Creed. Prior to Emperor Constantine, who helped facilitate the Council of Nicaea, the Church was severely persecuted in the Roman Empire. Paphnutius was a bishop in Egypt, and during the reign of Emperor Maximinus, he was hamstrung on his left side, lost his right eye, and was forced to work the mines—all for being Catholic.
It is said that many of the fathers of the Council of Nicea bore the marks of the persecution in their flesh as they attended the council. What drove them? Where did their courage, their fortitude, come from? A love of Christ and, consequently, being other-centered. In addiction, we become self-centered. The antidote to the poison of self-centeredness is service.
“Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!” (Saint Benedict Medal prayer).
Reflection by Brad Farmer