(251-356) The “Father of Western Monasticism” was born to wealthy parents near Cairo, Egypt. His parents died when he was 20, leaving Anthony a large inheritance. He set aside a portion to care for his sister, sold everything he owned, and gave all of his wealth away to the poor. He left the business of the world to live simply as a hermit in the northeastern part of the Sahara Desert, where he spent 15 years fighting temptations and beatings from the devil. At 35 years old, he moved into further isolation and lived in an abandoned Roman fort for 20 years. Anthony spent the remainder of his 105 years organizing the monks that sought out his instruction into communities, while continuing to live as a hermit himself.
According to his biographer, Saint Athanasius, even the Emperor Constantine sought Anthony’s prayers and counsel. Anthony remained unimpressed, ever putting principles before personalities (Tradition 12). How do you place your Higher Power above personal benefit?
“The days are coming when men will go mad; and, when they meet a man who has kept his senses, they will rise up against him, saying, ‘You are mad, because you are not like us’” (Saint Anthony).
Reflection by Brad Farmer