By: Alex J. Nagem © March 31, 2025
St. Anthony of Egypt is known as the Father of All Monks. He was a Christian hermit and the best known of the Desert Fathers. For those unaware, the Desert Fathers were Christian hermits who lived in the Egyptian desert beginning in the 3rd century A.D. They exemplified Jesus with a life of poverty, service, and self-denial. They devoted their life to vows of austerity, prayer, and work. (Britannica)
St. Anthony not only spent his days filled with prayers and work, but he would also talk to God and ask questions. We all do this. A few questions I have asked myself are the same that St. Anthony asked of God. Why do some individuals die at a young age, while others live to an age where they cannot care for themselves? Why are some people poor and some very rich? Why do the wicked prosper while the just are in need? God’s response to St. Anthony…” Keep your attention on yourself. These things are according to the judgment of God. It is not to your advantage to know anything about them.”
That was not the answer I was expecting, but then again, it does seem the appropriate answer coming from God. There are mysteries in this world that no one can explain. Some things are not meant to be known. If we follow Jesus’ teachings, maybe one day we will see the face of God and find the answers to all the questions of the universe that have plagued the mind of man and woman since the beginning of time.
St. Anthony was an insightful man. I guess when you change your lifestyle to one of simplicity, service, fasting, and prayer, you become insightful. I am still working on this. Anyway, St. Anthony was asked the question, “What must one do to please God?” His response, though centuries old, is one to take to heart today. He replied, “Whoever you may be, always have God before your eyes. Whatever you do, do it according to the testimony of the Holy Scriptures. In whatever place you live, do not easily leave it. Keep these three precepts, and you will be saved.” I understand the first two answers. We should always keep God in our thoughts. This will help us avoid temptations. We should follow the Holy Scripture in all we do. This way, we are adhering to the teachings of Jesus. But the last one, in whatever place you live, do not easily leave it, that one stumps me. Maybe my family needs a larger home? Maybe I would find a better job in another city or State. I would need to move. Maybe I am to live a simpler life and not move unless it is necessary. Wanting to move to a newer, bigger home will place my wants before my eyes and move God aside. Sadly, the idea of moving has been on my mind for some time. Writing this piece may have given me my answer. Simply stated, if God wants me to move, He will provide me with the means and the opportunity. St. Anthony, with his sage wisdom, advises all of us to pray to God and ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit in our decisions. Whatever we do, whatever we decide, our decision should bring us closer to God and His Will for us. That seems simple enough, the art of discernment.
I believe the Desert Fathers had the right idea with their simplicity in life. We buy expensive cars and homes only to worry about the loan payment, maintenance expense, taxes, and insurance premiums. We work longer hours to pay for these things we feel we need. I don’t believe this is what God intended for any of us. These come from our free will to choose what we feel we should have. Until the flash of lightning and the revelation appear before me, the home for me and my wife will continue to be on our hill overlooking the wonderful landscape and skyline God created. But why did my wife and I choose this location for a home? It is still a mystery. We both have our ideas, but ultimately, it is still a mystery. I suppose it was the will of God that brought us here. It is the will of God that keeps us here.
“When the solution is simple, God is answering,” Albert Einstein.
You are remembered in my daily prayers. I hope my family and I are remembered in yours.
Vocatus Atque Non Vocatus, Deus Aderit
Pater, in manus tuas commendo Spiritum meum.
Alex J. Nagem