St Antony (d 356) was one of the first desert fathers. After emerging from 20 yrs in the wilderness everyone was impressed by the “soul’s joy” that shone in his face. He died at 105. 30 years after Antony’s death, St Augustine, wavering on his own conversion, read his biography.
Conversation
Augustine was amazed “to hear of the wonders God had worked so recently in our own time.” It was a factor in hastening his own conversion. One reason I write about saints and holy lives: The chain reaction that can occur whereby one lamp lights another.
And it just so happens that one of my clients, who came in crisis today, recalled during our session the influence of St. Augustine in her life. She left encouraged. The light lives on. ☺
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