Spiritual Fatherhood

“Some brothers came to find Abba Anthony to tell him about the visions they were having, and to find out from him if they were true or if they came from the demons. They had a donkey which died on the way. When they reached the place where the old man was, he said to them before they could ask him anything, ‘How was it that the little donkey died on the way here?' They said, ‘How do you know about that, Father?' And he told them, ‘The demons showed me what happened.' So they said, ‘That was what we came to question you about, for fear we were being deceived, for we have visions which often turn out to be true.' Thus the old man convinced them, by the example of the donkey, that their visions came from the demons.” -The Sayings of the Desert Fathers (Abba Anthony the Great, paragraph 12)

First, I would like to address the point about the demons showing the brothers and Abba Anthony things. This might cause us uneasiness to read. This passage reminds us that the demons and the devil are real. Jesus calls the devil the ‘prince of this world’ (John 14:30). It is a common tactic of the devil and the demons show people things to try to deceive them. They especially attack and try to deceive those who are pursuing Christ, such as these brothers and Abba Anthony.

Second, I would like to touch on the topic of spiritual fatherhood. There is a reason that these brothers went to Abba Anthony to ask for his advice and wisdom. In the spiritual life, it is very beneficial to have a spiritual father. To have someone to go to who is experienced in following Christ can be a very valuable thing. This has been advised throughout the ages. The Fathers of the Church and the Saints all agree on this notion. This is especially true for those discerning Priesthood or Religious Life. In this case, the brothers were unsure about these visions and wanted his advice, and wisely went to ask him.

Saint Abba Anthony the Great, pray for us!