Augustine Institute - MA Theology - 3rd Course, "Light to the Nations" - 1st Writing Assignment

 William T. Ward

The Many Moves of Saint Antony of the Desert

At the age of 33, I purchased a woodlot situated down a gravel road in western Maine, a mile from the nearest neighbor or utility pole. I sought escape from people and to deprive myself of modern conveniences sporadically, where I could do as I liked, answering to no one. I cut down trees and removed stumps, creating a passage to the interior. Two brothers spent a weekend helping to build the shell of a small cabin. Thereafter, occasional weekends and vacations were spent alone, finishing the interior. After a stressful week at my high-tech job, I would drive straight up there, looking forward to the distinct sense of decompression that would invariably follow. Unwittingly, it had become my desert. But was there more to this pursuit on a subconscious level? I could not imagine an act of "sell what you have and give it to the poor" (Matthew 19:21), but I could pretend to have done so on weekends.

On a much grander scale, St. Antony of the Desert did just that. In the aftermath of the death of his parents, as a young adult, while on his way to church, Antony contemplated such decisions made by the apostles. Upon arrival, he heard the above passage of Matthew’s during the service and believed it to be an act of providence. In that moment, he decided to apply it to his life. Going forward, he pursued a desire to be closer to God through a series of moves that led him ever further into the interior of Egypt. Driven by purity of motive, he attracted followers, ironically, from whom he sought escape. This culminated in what some interpret as an out-of-body experience, during which “Antony’s way up to heaven lay open and unobstructed” (Life of St. Antony, Athanasius, 65). Antony’s many moves and extraordinary life led to an evolving level of spiritual maturity and a set of virtues to live by.

Antony’s initial move was within shouting distance of his own village, something akin to Thoreau’s cabin, which was just two miles from town (Myths and Misconceptions | The Walden Woods Project). He was aware of the learning curve in front of him. He would seek out those in the region whom he knew were leading a solitary life. From each, he would learn what he could and then return to the safety of his dwelling, where he would adopt the best of what each had to offer. As time passed, he thought less of his family's wealth and relations. He became increasingly focused on his work, keeping just enough of what he earned for his own needs and giving the rest away to those in need.  His prayer life became more disciplined, and he committed much to memory. He strived to become the best he could be in all aspects of his new life. Such focus and dedication won the admiration of those he visited, and his reputation grew.

After repeated temptations by the devil and an initial victory over him, Antony moved a short distance to some tombs. A friend brought him food regularly. But the devil was not far behind, torturing Antony worse than ever. At one point, his friend found Antony half dead and brought him back to the village, thinking a funeral service was imminent. But Antony revived and asked to be brought back to his tomb, where he soon faced terrors more unimaginable than those he had faced before. But he soldiered on, unafraid as ever. Jesus himself came to Antony’s aid, dispelling the demonic forms surrounding Antony, repairing the damaged building, and causing Antony’s body to heal. Antony realized he was now stronger than he had been prior to the demonic encounters. Jesus, having witnessed how Antony stood strong against the devil, promised to always help and to make Antony famous throughout the world.

Antony moved on again, this time into the desert. He found an abandoned fort that had been taken over by venomous animals, which fled upon Antony’s arrival. He blocked the entrance and stayed there alone. He started with a six-month supply of bread and water, which he was able to renew twice a year, as if on subscription, but he did not speak to those who delivered it. Still, the demons persisted. Wannabe visitors, outside the fort, could hear voices from within, but could see no one when peering through cracks in the walls. Antony instructed them to make the sign of the cross and to be on their way, without fear. But visitors persisted over the next twenty years, finally breaking down the fort’s doors. Antony greeted them with an air of great health, as if no time had passed, with an almost divine-like appearance. Miracles ensued. People were healed, both physically and otherwise, and he instructed them on the importance of loving Christ. “This marked the beginning of the desert’s colonization” (Life of St. Antony, Athanasius, 14).

At this point, Antony had matured spiritually to a point where he was ready to train prospective monks. The germination of his humble nature is evident from the start. “No one should weaken in the firmness of their commitment to the way of life he has chosen, but should always strive to increase his commitment to this undertaking as if he were just starting out, especially as the span of human life, compared to eternity, is very short” (Life of St. Antony, Athanasius, 16). He stresses to his students the bargain that leading a good life entails: seventy or eighty years well spent on earth lead to an eternity in heaven. To do that, he preaches to not waste time on that which cannot be taken with you, but rather on that which leads one to heaven, “namely wisdom, chastity, justice, virtue, an ever watchful mind, care of the poor, firm faith in Christ, a mind that can control anger, hospitality” (Life of St. Antony, Athanasius, 17). He stresses continuity with such efforts, as opposed to “resting on your laurels,” as my father would say. Perhaps Antony’s greatest talent is his ability to discern good versus evil spirits and how to defend himself against evil. Has anyone been more consistently attacked? He could dispel demonic forces with his faith in Christ, much like Glinda, the Good Witch of the North in The Wizard of Oz, who does so with confidence when confronted by the Wicked Witch of the West. “You have no power here. Begone, before somebody drops a house on you, too!” (The Wizard of Oz (1939 film)/Transcript | Warner Bros. Entertainment Wiki | Fandom).

On the heels of great success developing monastic settlements, Antony once again felt the need for increased solitude and decided to move again. He traveled with some Saracens deeper into the desert, who led him to an oasis that Antony immediately fell in love with. He would later be revisited by Saracens and other monks, who brought him food. He began cultivating the land to grow his own. However, he was again antagonized by demonic forces. “Using prayers as his weapons” (Life of St. Antony, Athanasius, 51), he managed to repel all threats. He instructed visitors as to how to do the same. “Have faith in Jesus; keep your mind pure from wicked thoughts and your body free from all sordidness. In accordance with the divine sayings, do not be seduced by the fullness of the stomach. Detest pride, pray frequently, recite the psalms in the evening and in the morning and at noon, and meditate on the commands of the Scriptures. Remember the deeds done by each of the saints so that the memory of their example will inspire your soul to virtue and restrain it from vices” (Life of St. Antony, Athanasius, 55). But he would never take credit for his wisdom, always attributing such a gift to God alone. Antony was visited by many, and miraculous healings followed.

Exceeding all of this, Antony was in prayer prior to a meal when “he felt himself caught up in the spirit and being carried on high by angels” (Life of St. Antony, Athanasius, 65). Demons attempted to block his progress, but they were confronted by angels who pressed the demons to state their case. Unable to convincingly do so, the demons stepped aside, clearing the way for Antony’s passage to heaven, exceeding that of Paul’s journey “up to the third heaven” (2 Cor 12:2). But it was not his time, and he immediately returned to his body.

By this time, Antony had finished moving and had firmly developed particular virtues that sustained him well. More than any other, humility was the foundation of his virtuous life. He was willing to learn from anyone. “Staying teachable” is a mindset of Alcoholics Anonymous, reminding those in recovery that it is a lifelong process of learning in order to continue growing in sobriety and spirituality, rather than believing that the disease has been conquered. Such was Antony’s approach in his daily life, even in his advanced stage of spiritual growth. “He frequently questioned those who were with him, and if they told him something useful, he admitted that they had helped him” (Life of St. Antony, Athanasius, 67).

Antony’s upbeat demeanor was attractive to all. People who had never met him before could pick him out of a crowd, recognizing “Antony’s spiritual purity from his face and through the mirror of Antony’s body (they) would perceive the grace of his holy mind. For Antony always had a cheerful look which showed that his mind was on heavenly matters” (Life of St. Antony, Athanasius, 67). This attracted great crowds. Surprisingly, for a hermit, Antony did not seem to mind. “Surely this gathering is no larger than the hosts of demons? Surely this crowd of followers is no more numerous than the army of those with whom I wrestled on the mountain?” (Life of St. Antony, Athanasius, 70).

How amazing was Antony’s life, transformed in a moment during his youth while attending Mass, when he heard a passage quoted that he had just been contemplating? Imagine persevering against so many forces that were trying to repel his efforts, even to the brink of death! Antony converted many along the way and is considered to be the father of monastic life, which continues to this day.

I maintained that off-the-grid cabin in western Maine for sixteen years, ultimately trading it in for a house in a nearby town, with neighbors and a caretaker. The idea seemed great at first, but it ultimately produced more headaches than joy. The financial pressures of maintaining two homes soon confronted me with a choice between keeping the second home and sending my kids to college. I thought about that for a while, eventually selling the second home, less than five years after purchasing it, and never returning to the area. The solitude of that off-the-grid cabin, my desert, is now long gone. For over twenty years, I have longed for a replacement.