An Egyptian by birth, Anthony was born in the year 251. When he was about 20, his parents both died and he was left with their 300-acre estate and his younger sister to care for. Shortly afterward, he heard Jesus say in the Gospels: “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.” So, that very day, he sold the estate, used a portion to provide for his sister and her education, gave the rest to the poor, and left for the desert. There he became a hermit known for his wisdom, modesty, kindness, and miraculous cures. He died at the age of 105.
CHALLENGE
Considered the father of Christian monasticism, St. Anthony of the Desert was never content to stay where he was in his faith life. Every time he got comfortable, he would challenge himself to take on something new in pursuing a complete commitment to God. Today, prayerfully review your faith life. Where are you “coasting” or “too comfortable”? What new thing can you do to challenge yourself to grow in your commitment to God?
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