A Pioneer in Religious and Monastic Life
For what benefit is there in possessing these things that we do not take with us? Why not rather own those things which we are able to take away with us – such things as prudence, justice, temperance, courage, understanding, love, concern for the poor, faith in Christ, freedom from anger, hospitality?
(Life of Antony, 17)
The Edict of Milan in 313 CE radically altered the life of Christians who, from being a persecuted community, would now enjoy state patronage. This in turn influenced the spirituality of the subsequent years, with martyrdom being replaced by an austere life in the desert as proof of discipleship. An important figure in this emerging spirituality would be St. Antony of Egypt—a monk who would leave a lasting impact on religious life within the Christian traditions both in the East and the West. Antony would live to the ripe old age of 105 (251-356 CE) and his model of religious life and asceticism was handed down to us by his biographer St. Athanasius. The book, Life of Antony indicates that Antony was the son of a rich farmer and he lost his parents at the age of twenty. One day he heard the words “If you would be perfect, go and sell all that you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come and follow me” (Mt. 19,21). He sold his property, made provisions for his younger sister and distributed the rest of the proceeds among the poor. Then he went to live in a solitary place near his village and engaged in a life of austerities.
As his reputation increased, he went away to a deserted fort and remained there for nearly twenty years. Later on, he went farther away and continued a life of solitude. Most of his time was spent in prayer, fasting and reciting passages from Scripture. His solitude did not stop him from relating to various masters, disciples and common people. He advised them, helped resolve disputes and assisted people in their spiritual journey. While living as a hermit he worked to support himself and gave alms to the poor. He also engaged in conversation with non-Christian philosophers of his time. As his fame grew, people were inspired to become hermits. Thousands would follow his example. Though hermits and the monastic way of life existed before Antony, it can be said that he was an important figure in heralding the great monastic movements in the East and the West.
Antony’s first words on emerging from the deserted fort were, “prefer nothing in the world above the love of Christ” (no. 14). The listeners were exhorted to seek treasures that can never be destroyed (Mt. 6,19-21). His spirituality of discernment and combat with demons has been dramatically portrayed by writers and artists down the centuries. Demons that took on various forms and troubled him are described in vivid, colorful and imaginative ways. His combat with the so-called ‘demons’ strikes a chord with any reader today because such struggles are an existential reality in the lives of every single individual. Today we interpret demons as graphic representations of strong conscious and unconscious drives that take us away from true life. There were times when Antony was discouraged, lost his strength and humbly recognized his limitations. However, he faced his fears, went beyond the visual content of the vision, analyzed them, learnt how to respond effectively, and ultimately won victory over them. Even today the insights derived from his years of observation, reflection and analysis of the inner dynamics of human nature continue to enlighten us.
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