By Lucy Johnson

 

“Saul answered David, “Go! and the LORD be with you.” ~ 1 Samuel 37b

 

Today is the Memorial of St. Anthony. No, not the St. Anthony who helps us find lost items, but the St. Anthony who was born almost one thousand years earlier (256-351).

St. Anthony of Egypt, also known as St. Anthony the Abbot, was born to wealthy Christian parents. After they died, he gave away all the money to the poor and went to live in the desert as a hermit. There, he devoted himself to silence, prayer, and work. His way of life attracted followers, and fellow hermits came to live there too. He is the founder of Monasticism and a Desert Father.

Silence & Prayer

What attracts me to this Saint is the idea of living a life of silence and prayer. I have always wanted to live in a monastery, but that wasn’t my calling. When I find moments of stillness and silence, I can better center my heart on prayer and God. In those moments, I can leave the day-to-day stresses of the world and feel a sense of peace.

In today’s reading, we hear the story of David and Goliath. David predicts Goliath’s defeat by telling him “that the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47). When we are face-to-face with the Goliaths in our lives, remember that the battle is the Lord’s and turn to Him in stillness, prayer, and silence.

So, while I cannot be a hermit, a monk, or live in the desert, I can still find solitude in life, trusting that the Lord will be the victor in all my battles.

 

Prayer

Lord, help me find stillness and silence so that I may hear what You want me to hear. Help me listen better so that I may experience the peace only You can give. Lord, help me remember that nothing will happen to me today that You and I can’t handle together.

Call to Action

Today, take time for silence and prayer. Perhaps make it a daily New Year’s resolution.

 

© 2024 WINE — All Rights Reserved