Commemoration Antony of Egypt

Commemoration January 17

Antony of Egypt, Renewer of the Church, c. 356

Reflection

Called by those who knew him “the friend of God,” Antony, as a young man, was moved by the command of Jesus, “Go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21). He gave away his considerable inheritance and devoted himself to a life of solitude, prayer, and study of Scripture, supporting himself by making baskets. His fame as a wise and holy man spread, and disciples gathered around him, whom Antony organized into loosely-knit communities, providing for them a rule for communal living and prayer. At the age of around 61, Antony withdrew further into solitude, retiring to a cave on Mount Colzim in the harsh mountainous Eastern Desert of Egypt, near the northwest corner of the Red Sea, where he remained until he died at the age of over 100. The still-extant Monastery of St. Antony was built a few years after his death. During the summer of 1996, six monks established another monastery named after St. Antony in the desert of Arizona, where some 40 monks now reside.

Prayer

Gracious God, Thank you for your servant Antony and his example of self-denial and devotion. Instill in us the same devotion to your word and to prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.