Memorial of Saint
Anthony of the Desert, abbot
(I Samuel 8:4-7.10-22a; Mark 2:1-12)
Monks are often thought of as men in retreat. But they do not see themselves in that
way. Rather they recognize their
solitary life as a battle with the evil spirits of pride and
concupiscence. If they win, they will
have peace with God, nature, self, and others.
Today the Church celebrates the man credited with founding Christian
monasticism – Anthony of the Desert.
As a youth Anthony heard the gospel of the rich man who
asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life.
Jesus answered that one has to sell all that he owned, give the money to
the poor, and follow him. The man did
not find the wherewithal to fulfill Jesus’ prescription, but Anthony did. He sold his inherited property, provided for
his sister, and gave the rest of the money away. Then he proceeded to the desert where he exhibited
holiness, charity and wisdom. Anthony’s difficult
life did not curtail longevity. He died
at one hundred and four years old.
It is not necessary to enter a monastery to battle pride
and concupiscence. We must engage these
nemeses every day of our lives. However,
the struggle cannot be won without asceticism or self-denial. We have to let go of what others think about
us and what are desires tell us we need.
In their places we should make sacrifices for God and others,
particularly the poor.
