Douglas Burton-Christie, The Word in the Desert

Douglas Burton-Christie, The Word in the Desert

Simple practice of Scripture, then, was a necessary first step for deepening one's grasp of the meaning of the monastic life. It was also an incomparable means for learning the meaning of those texts. We see this in an encounter that Antony had with some visitors who came to ask for a word. He began by telling them in a general way simply to look to the Scriptures for guidance. But when they pressed him for more specific advice, he told them they should follow the words of the Gospel of Matthew: "If anyone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also (Mt 5:39). " The brothers protested: "We cannot do that " Antony then reduced the requirement somewhat, instructing them, ' 'If you cannot do that, at least allow one cheek to be struck." The brothers again replied, "We cannot do that. " So Antony revised his teaching a third time, saying "If you are not able to do that, [at least] do not return evil for evil [Mt 5:39]." But once again, the brothers complained: "We cannot do that either. " Antony, realizing the futility of this line of argument, refused to proceed any further. Instead, he instructed one of his disciples to "make . . . a little porridge," for the visitors—because "they are ill." Finally, he said to his visitors, "If you cannot do this, or that, what can I do for you? What you need is prayers”.

This episode reveals a great deal regarding the monks' attitude toward the practice of Scripture. There was obviously no question of proceeding further with discussion of the text or its meaning, for, as he says, there is nothing more he can do for them if they will not engage in practice themselves. The preparation of the porridge revealed in symbolic terms the enfeebled condition of the brothers, who were not able to take even the smallest steps of scriptural practice on their own. Yet there is no harshness here. The preparation of porridge also manifested Antony's compassion for the brothers in their frail condition. He not only recognized their need to recover their health in small measures but expressed his own willingness to aid in that recovery. One element of this story stands out clearly: to the extent that the Scriptures reveal the way to salvation, something must be done, if the meaning of salvation is to be realized.