Prayer in the Desert

St. Anthony of the Desert, one of the original Desert Fathers, and models for monastic life, sold all of his belongings as the age of 20, and embraced an acetical lifestyle.  His life consisted of prayer, meditation, reading, and spiritual direction. He sustained himself and engaged in manual labor.  What excess he had, he gave to the poor.

During his time in the desert, he gave spiritual instruction and guidance to many who sought a simular lifestyle of solitude and prayer.  During his 85 years, he formed two monasteries and became the guide and spiritual director for these two communities.

St. Athanasius, a comtemporary of Anthony, presents him as a model of consecrated life.  Athanasius writes about his devout faith and piety, which became a positive influence for many who would seek his guidance.  St. Augustine refers to St. Anthony in his "Confessions" and notes that it was the faith and prayerfulness of Anthony which was such a great influence in his own conversion.  In describing Anthony, Athanasius comments, "You also, once you have heard the story, will not merely admire the man, but will wish to emulate his resolution as well."

In seminary, our class went on an 8 day Ignatian retreat.  Total silence for eight days in central Kentucky.  It was both wonderful and frustrating.  There was a beauty in being able to pray and reflect upon the Eucharist and the Sacred Scriptures.  But you also have to face yourself with all of your faults and foibles.  It really is a time of spiritual growth and a powerful experience of growing deeper into the mystery of faith.

It would be awesome if more persons were able to have a 'higher' level spiritual experience.  Sometimes Mass once a week (if even that) is the only spiritual nourishment we receive.  The ideal of an intimate relationship with Jesus, that we might be understand more fully what it means to be a child of God, could be the hope of all of us.  In the morning before Mass most of the early arrivals pray the rosary together.  After Mass there is a small group that prays Morning Prayer.  This is great stuff.

Anytime we can have a spirit of detachment from the things that pull at us all day long, and live in a spirit of self-denial, we can begin that journey of holiness which we hear about in these Desert Fathers.  Obviously we cannot go to the desert (though today it would be nice) but any additional time of prayer, fasting, and works of charity, help us clarify our relationship with God.