DESERT EPIPHANIES: REFLECTIVE READING

McLeod, George. Only One Way Left

Foster, Richard. Freedom of Simplicity
Bass, Diana Butler. Christianity after Religion
Wilson, How Jesus Became Christian

The Story of St. Anthony — and our stories!

In 313, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. Though the persecutions ended — after their many terrible deaths — the Church began to face new problems. It slowly began to conform itself to the values of the world, much like the Church of the 21st century has done, particularly in Europe, Canada, and the United States.

Rather than be assimilated, some of the 4th century Christians chose to leave society. One was Anthony, born in Coma (Upper Egypt). After giving away his inheritance, he moved to the desert, and spent many years in various Christian disciplines, gaining wide and deep experience of the life of faith. What he learned in the desert — his epiphanies — shaped his life. When he finally returned to society, people recognized him as a truly wise and holy man.

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While we may not be able to go to the desert, we can learn — and expect God to give us new revelations and wisdom — our own "desert epiphanies."

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REFLECTIVE READING

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