Bulletin column from January 15, 2023

This upcoming week, we celebrate the memorial of St. Anthony the Abbot, sometimes called Saint Anthony the Great. He is considered the founder of desert monasticism. Saint Athanasius wrote a famous biography of Saint Anthony in 360 A.D. Anthony was born to wealthy parents, who died when he was around 20 years old. At that point, Anthony gave away his possessions and went out into the desert to live a life of prayer, penance, and contemplation as a hermit. Saint Athanasius writes that the Devil often afflicted Saint Anthony and tried to derail his life. However, he was unsuccessful. After a while, his wisdom and sanctity became known, and people would go out into the desert to visit him.

Anthony reminds us of two fundamental aspects of the Christian life. First, the lifting of our hearts and minds to God in prayer should be fundamental to our lives. Even if we cannot go out into the desert to pray all the time, we should try to set aside times and places for prayer. Many people have recently taken a Holy Hour in our adoration chapel, which is an admirable practice. Others will set aside time to pray the rosary or another devotion. All of these are good practices. The other thing which the life of Anthony reminds us is that Satan will attempt to derail our good works and good intentions. Satan tried to distract Anthony and cause him to fall away from God. However, he was unsuccessful. Ultimately, God is God. In the midst of temptations we can always have recourse to the Holy name of Jesus, knowing that God never lets us be tempted beyond our means and through the name of Christ we can conquer all things. In fact, ultimately, the temptations which we face make us stronger and grow in holiness. God will always win. If we remain united to God, then we will share in this victory.
Happy Feast, and Saint Anthony the Abbot, pray for us.