Saint Anthony: But not the one you might be thinking about: Homily for Tuesday, January 17, 2023

At one point or another you have probably been encouraged to pray to Saint Anthony when you lost something you need to find. So, when people hear about Saint Anthony, they typically think of Saint Anthony of Padua. But the Saint Anthony we celebrate today was a hermit and is often referred to as the father of monasticism. Living in the third century, he had quite a life. Hearing the call to sell his possessions and to give to the poor, he did. He dedicated himself to a life of prayer. He was one who could be called confident of Saint Athanasius, who wrote a biography about him. And given the difficulties Saint Athanasius faced in defending the Trinity, I am sure their relationship served to be a great consolation. The invitation today is to search out silence in your life today. Think about the possessions you have and ask yourself if these possessions keep you from a deeper life of faith. Most important, ask God for the gift of holiness.