Abba Anthony - On human weakness

Some brothers came to abba Anthony seeking to hear from him a word by which they might be saved.

 

"You've heard the Scriptures," he said.  "You know from Christ what is necessary."

But they just stayed there hoping that he would favor them by saying something to them.

"The Gospel says, " he then said, "If anyone strikes you on the left cheek offer him the other." (Mathew 5:39)

"We wouldn't be able to do that," they said.

"You couldn't offer them the other cheek? But at least you could be willing let on blow be struck?"

"We couldn't do that either."

"If you couldn't do that either, at least don't return any evil for what you have suffered."

 "Nor that either."

Then Anthony said to his disciple, "Prepare some nourishing soup for these brothers, for they are very weak."

And then to them said,

"If you can't do either this or that what can I do for you? As far as I can see prayer alone is what you need, so that your weaknesses may be cured."

 

 

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