Today's Journal
DOING GOOD III
St. Anthony the Great (252-356, 105 years old) an early monk and Desert father, once wondered if there was anyone who had done greater works towards salvation than himself. God led him to a cobbler in the nearby city. Anthony observed him and, at last, asked him to describe his rule of life.“Elder, I don’t know if I have ever done anything good. Every morning after waking up, I pray and then I start work. First, I think to myself how every person in this city, from the smallest to the greatest will be saved, and only I will be condemned due to my countless transgressions. And in the evening when I go to sleep, I have the same thoughts."
The Elder rose with wonder and embraced and kissed him and said with deep emotion:
“You, my brother, like a good merchant, have gained the priceless pearl without toil. I have grown old in the desert, sweated and toiled but have not reached your level of humility.”
“Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.” Jesus