St. Anthony was born in a small village in Egypt. When he was twenty years old, his parents died and left him a large estate and the care of his young sister. About six months later, he heard these words of Christ read in church: “If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven: and come, follow Me.” Anthony was sure that those words were meant for him. So immediately afterwards, he gave away all that he possessed. His sister entered a convent and Anthony begged an aged hermit to teach him the spiritual life. He also visited other hermits to learn and practice each one’s most outstanding virtue. Then he began his own life of prayer and penance alone with God.
When he was fifty-five, St. Anthony built a monastery to help others. He was the first to establish the religious life as it is today. Many people heard of him and sought his advice. He would tell them: “The devil is afraid of us when we pray and make sacrifices, when we are humble and good, but especially when we love Jesus very much. He runs away when we make the Sign of the Cross.”
St. Anthony visited Paul the hermit and came away holier than ever. He died at the age of one hundred and five.
We must never become discouraged when the devil strongly tempts us to do wrong. Jesus is right beside us. If we pray to Him, He will help us, and He will reward us for our love and faithfulness.
