289- In the Mud

 

St-Takla.org Image: Details: La tentation de Saint Antoine (The Temptation of St. Anthony), 1878, Félicien Rops صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: تفاصيل من لوحة محاربات القديس أنطونيوس، 1878، الفنان فيليسيان روب

It was said that a brother in Saint Anthony’s monastery in “Pispir” was accused of a certain sin so he went to St. Anthony. After a while, some of the brothers followed to complain about him and started throwing charges against him; whereas, he was defending himself.

St. Pephnotius then interfered, “I’ve seen a man fall into the water and sink into the mud to his knees. Some people came to help and pick him up but they drown him to the neck instead.”

When St. Anthony the great heard that, he said, referring to St. Pephnotius, “Look at this man! He can really win souls and save them.”

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: في وسط الوحل.

Teach me to be kind to the weak,

For I am also weak.

Grant me to cover my brothers’ sins,

So that You would cover me.

When shall I see the world enjoying the fellowship of Your glory?

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