From the Sayings of
the Desert Fathers:
A brother renounced the world
and gave his goods to the poor, but he kept back a little for his personal
expenses. He went to see Abba Anthony. When he told him this, the old man said
to him, “If you want to be a monk, go into the village, buy some meat, cover
your naked body with it and come here like theat.”
The brother did so, and the
dogs and birds tore at his flesh. When he came back the old man asked him
whether he had followed his advice. He showed him his wounded body, and Saint
Anthony said, “Those who renounce the world but want to keep something for
themselves are torn in this way by the demons who make war on them.”
How difficult it is to give up everything…isn’t it? I wonder
if any do so today. Those in some religious communities may do so, but they
still have the security of the monastery, do they not? For the most part, they
will be fed and clothed and sheltered, though of course such physical comforts
could fail.
But what about hermits? Are there any hermits like St.
Anthony and the desert fathers these days? I wonder. We are very much used to “security”
in this culture. Many (most?) would think it imprudent to give up everything…
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.
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