Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we gather today to celebrate the feast of Saint Anthony, Abbot, we are reminded of his profound commitment to God and his exemplary life of faith. Born in Egypt in the late 3rd century, Anthony is often hailed as the father of monasticism. His life revolved around the search for a deeper relationship with God, and his journey offers us valuable lessons in spiritual resilience, especially in light of today’s readings.
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we hear the call to "draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power." These words resonate deeply with the life of Saint Anthony, who, upon hearing the call of Jesus, chose to abandon worldly possessions and comforts. Instead, he sought the armor of God through a life of prayer, fasting, and contemplation in the desert. Anthony understood that true strength does not stem from material wealth or societal status but rather from a profound reliance on God — an awareness which definitely animated the life of Saint Francis many centuries later.
Paul’s admonition to “put on the armor of God” is crucial for all Christians, reminding us that our struggles are not merely flesh and blood but involve a spiritual battle against the powers and principalities of this world. Saint Anthony faced many temptations, and it is said that he battled with demons in the wilderness. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair or fear, he stood his ground, empowered by his faith and fortified by prayer. Just as the apostle encourages us to pray at every opportunity, Anthony exemplified a life steeped in prayer, drawing continually from God's strength.
In today's Responsorial Psalm, we proclaim, “You are my inheritance, O Lord.” Saint Anthony viewed God as his everlasting treasure, forsaking everything to pursue that divine inheritance. Each of us is called to reflect on our own inheritance in God. What are we willing to leave behind to embrace the fullness of life God is offering us? In the eyes of the world, as Franciscans, we may seem destitute, yet mysteriously happy. This is what makes a person ask questions. We know that many of Francis’ early adherents began following him, after their initial apprehension, because of the joy they saw radiating from him. How about us? Do we radiate joy like Francis and Anthony who found their true treasure in God?
In the Gospel, we encounter a young man who yearns for eternal life and is eager to fulfill the commandments. However, when Jesus challenges him to sell all he has and follow Him, the young man’s attachments hold him back from true discipleship. Similarly, Anthony chose to renounce the attachments of the world to follow Christ wholeheartedly. Discipleship requires radical commitment—a willingness to surrender everything that stands between us and God.
The path laid out by the Gospel is not an easy one. Jesus’ words remind us that it is humanly impossible to attain salvation on our own. Yet, through God, all things are possible. Saint Anthony's life serves as a testament to this divine promise. Through his unwavering faith and reliance on God’s grace, he transformed the landscape of Christian monasticism and inspired countless believers to pursue holiness.
As we reflect on the life of Saint Anthony, let us be encouraged to wear the armor of God diligently. Let us enter into this spiritual battle with prayer and supplication, praying not only for our own strength but for the strength of our brothers and sisters in the faith. By doing so, we conform ourselves to Christ, allowing Him to work through us, abiding in His truth—the truth that sets us free.
May Saint Anthony intercede for us, guiding us in our daily struggles and leading us ever closer to the eternal joy found in God’s presence. Amen.
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