Tir 22 — January 30

Abba Anthony, the Father of All Monks

Today we remember a holy man named Abba Anthony. People call him the father of all monks, the men who give their days to quiet prayer, often far away from busy towns. Anthony was born long ago in Egypt, and his parents loved God very much.

Even as a little boy, Anthony was kind and good. He went to church with his mother and father, he listened carefully, and he obeyed them. When he was only seven years old, he learned the holy books of the church by heart.

When Anthony grew up, his parents passed away. One day in church, he heard the words Jesus once said to a rich man. Anthony felt that Jesus was speaking right to him, and he decided to follow.

So Anthony gave his land to his neighbors and his money to people who were poor. He made sure his little sister was cared for, and then he went to live a simple life of prayer. He loved to pray, to read about God, and to help others.

Sometimes evil spirits tried to scare Anthony and make him stop praying. But Anthony was brave. He laughed and trusted God, and the evil spirits ran away like smoke, because God is always stronger than anything evil. God kept Anthony safe and gave him peace.

Anthony was so close to God that he could heal the sick. When they came to him, he prayed, and God made them well. Once, God even carried him on a shining cloud to a faraway king's land, where he gave sight to people who were blind, helped people who could not walk, and taught everyone about Jesus.

Anthony lived a very, very long time: one hundred and twenty years. And his body stayed strong all his life. When God called him home, the holy angels came with great joy and carried him up to heaven. Anthony loved Jesus more than anything, and now he lives with Him forever.

If you wish to be perfect, go and sell all you have, and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow Me.— the words of Jesus that Anthony heard in church

If there be any among you who has power over me, let him try; but God is with me.— Abba Anthony, when evil spirits tried to frighten him