Saint of the Day
St. Anthony of Egypt
Anthony of Egypt (c. 251–356) is considered the father of Christian monasticism. At around twenty years old, having heard the gospel call to sell everything and follow Jesus, he gave away his inheritance, entrusted his sister to a community of women, and retreated progressively deeper into the Egyptian desert. He lived to approximately 105 years old. His biography by Athanasius became enormously influential in spreading the monastic ideal across the Mediterranean world, including to Augustine of Hippo, whose conversion it helped precipitate.
Scripture Reading
Hosea 2:14
"Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her."
Reflection
The wilderness in Scripture is not only a place of testing but a place of encounter. God promised to lead his unfaithful people into the desert not to punish them but to speak tenderly to them — away from distractions, in the quiet that deprivation enforces. St. Anthony's legacy, honored today, is the tradition of the desert as classroom: the place where God's voice is finally clear.
Prayer for Today
Lord God, heavenly Father,
we thank you for granting us peace
and graciously sparing us from war and foreign dominion.
Graciously let us continue to live
in your fear according to your will,
giving no cause for wars or other punishment.
Govern and direct our leaders and officials,
that they may not hinder the obedience due to you
but maintain righteousness
that we may enjoy happiness and blessing
under their government;
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one true God, now and forever.
we thank you for granting us peace
and graciously sparing us from war and foreign dominion.
Graciously let us continue to live
in your fear according to your will,
giving no cause for wars or other punishment.
Govern and direct our leaders and officials,
that they may not hinder the obedience due to you
but maintain righteousness
that we may enjoy happiness and blessing
under their government;
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one true God, now and forever.
Amen.