Tales from the Lives of Hermits

In the literature about hermits it is often stated that the life of the hermit is as significant a teaching as his words.

St. Antony of Egypt (circa 251 - 356) was born to a wealthy Christian family. As a youth living at home he shunned schools and didn't want friends. He loved to go to Church and especially to hear the New Testament read. At 18 his parents died leaving him to run the estate. Thinking of the rich young man who wouldn't follow Jesus, he gave away his land and sold all else and gave the money to the poor.

Antony went to live near a holy ascetic doing manual labor for food. He memorized Scripture and engaged in constant hidden prayer. The people began to call him God's friend. The devil tempted him constantly with worry about family, lustful thoughts, and even physical lashings. Once it seemed as if he had been beaten to death by demons. He was put in a casket in the church but he awoke and went back to his tomb-like hermitage. There he would laugh at the apparitions of wild beasts such as reptiles, lions, bulls, scorpions sent to frighten him. He told these apparitions that they must be very weak to need to come in such numbers, and sung with joy in their presence. He was known for healing and preaching, comforting others and making peace. Many took up monastic life in the desert because of his example. He died at the age of 105 cheerfully, instructing his disciples not to tell anyone where they buried him.