Today the Orthodox Church commemorates the memory of the father
of monasticism, Saint Anthony the Great. To perfect his calling of dedicating
his entire life to Christ, Saint Anthony lived in the desert as an ascetic in
response to Christ’s challenge to “see all that you have and give to the poor.”(Matthew
19.21) Saint Athanasios knew him personally and considered his love for God
second to none, and that God’s grace filled his life. When we consider the life
of Saint Anthony, we understand the spiritual benefit of the ascetic life,
without necessarily spending our life in the desert.
The Greek word, ‘ασκησης, can be translated as, exercise, and when used in the
spiritual sense refers to various disciplines or practices that help shape our
soul and guide our journey closer to Christ. Saint Anthony lived a life of
prayer and fasting with only the most basic food, but not all Christians need
to leave the city and live in the desert to life a life dedicated to God. By prayerfully
being guided by our spiritual father, the spiritual disciplines of the Church –
prayer, fasting, almsgiving, the sacramental life – we can grow closer to God.
Just as living in the desert brought grace to Saint Anthony,
following the daily disciplines of the Church, will help you not only grow
closer to God, but His Grace will also grow. Who knows....maybe someday the
world will remember your grace-filled life and dedication to God. It all begins
with spiritual discipline and ascesis.
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