310- The Happiest Man on Earth

 

St-Takla.org Image: Painting of Saint Anthony, a part of The Visitation with Saint Nicholas and Saint Anthony Abbot by Piero di Cosimo, ca. 1480. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: لوحة القديس أنطونيوس أب الرهبان، بها جانب من زيارة القديس نيقولاوس، رسم الصورة الفنان بيرو دي كوسيمو، ما بين 1470-1480. محفوظة في ناشونال جاليري أوف آرت (متحف الفنون القومي)، واشنطن العاصمة.

As some philosophers knew of Abba Anthony as a monk they decided to visit him to know his philosophy. They went to the eastern desert in Egypt and climbed the mountain till they reached his cell. The cell was without furniture except for a small mat. There were neither a library nor books. They saw St. Anthony very vital and always rejoicing. They said to him, “We expected to see a very harsh and gloomy man like all philosophers especially those who choose seclusion.”

“I’m serious with myself, which fills my heart with joy, as I lack nothing.”

“How is that? You live in an empty cell without possessions, medicines or books. Don’t you feel isolated?”

“No.”

“How?”

“I don’t live alone for, my Lord Jesus Christ Who loves me, lives with me and inside me. His presence fills me with joy and satisfies me. I’m the happiest man on earth.”

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: أسعد إنسان على الأرض!

+ You descended to me O my Savior.

Lift me up to You with Your Holy Spirit.

Fill my depth with Yourself.

May You be pleased with me.

+ Open my eyes to see You inside me.

I always cry, “Now, it is the happiest time in my life.”

I am the happiest man on earth.

You are the secret behind my happiness and joy.

God’s Computer More Accurate

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth) Books by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

At the Cancer Hospital